Gov. Brian Kemp extended a state of emergency in counties across Georgia last week as the list of fatalities from Hurricane Helene continues to grow.
The executive order, issued by Kemp just before the Category 4 storm made landfall, activates emergency management teams and provides necessary arrangements to position needed resources throughout the state. The recent extension is set to expire Oct. 9.
Last Tuesday, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for 41 Georgia counties impacted by the storm, which has claimed the lives of 227 people in the southeastern U.S. as emergency responders continue to comb through the devastation.
As of last week, the federal government has allocated $10 million in financial relief and 1,000 national guard members to disaster areas.
Hundreds of people are still reported missing or unaccounted for since Helene first hit on Sept. 26.
At least 33 deaths have been reported in Georgia, according to the latest update from the Governor’s Office.
For more information on how to aid survivors of Helene, visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
