Today Governor Sonny Perdue issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in seven additional counties affected by tornadoes that struck on Sunday. The seven counties are Clayton, Crawford, Emanuel, Glynn, Jenkins, McIntosh, and Twiggs. The announcement follows an emergency declaration released on Sunday declaring six Georgia counties in a state of emergency: Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Jefferson, Johnson and Laurens.

“We are working together to ensure response efforts reach all Georgians affected by these storms,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “Joint local, state and federal assessment teams will continue to determine the full scope of the damage to businesses, state facilities and residences.”

The executive order allows for state resources to be available for response and recovery activities, and calls for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to activate the state’s Emergency Operations Plan.  The Georgia Emergency Management Agency has activated the State Operations Center (SOC) to support the effected counties.

The SOC will be activated until further notice to provide assistance and will continue to monitor the situation.  

Governor Perdue toured damaged areas in middle Georgia early Monday morning.

“I am always amazed at the strength storms like these carry over great distances,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Although the damage is significant, Georgians continue to respond to the needs of friends and neighbors.”

GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities.  For more emergency information and updates, contact GEMA at 1-800-TRY-GEMA (1-800-879-4362) or visit www.gema.ga.gov.