Following a weekend of deadly storms, Georgia’s governor is placing 18 counties under a state of emergency. The weekend’s apparent tornadoes are being blamed for killing at least 15 people.
Governor Nathan Deal is expanding his emergency declaration Monday to include nine additional counties in southern Georgia. The declaration opens up state resources to assist storm victims. The newly covered areas include Dougherty, Cook, Brooks and Berrien counties.
It is also being announced that the governor is planning to tour the storm-damaged areas Wednesday.
Local officials in Georgia are asking Trump Administration For Help
During a news conference on Monday morning, the chair of the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners called on the federal government for help.
“We need help,” Christopher Cohilas said during a news conference. “FEMA, please get people on the damn ground.”
He continued, “We don’t have enough resources. We need everything our country can give us.”
#Albany officials: “We need help… FEMA… please get people on the damn ground” at news conference now @wsbtv
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) January 23, 2017
When characterizing the destruction, Cohilas said: “It literally looks like God took half of the mobile home park and threw it across the universe.”
Take a second to pray for the families of the 11 people that we’re killed by tornado this morning near Valdosta, GA. pic.twitter.com/afiKUjehY1
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) January 22, 2017
