VALDOSTA — Lowndes, Echols and Berrien have been added to the list of counties receiving public assistance from the federal government following a deadly tornado outbreak, the governor said.

Gov. Nathan Deal said Tuesday the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency notified him 10 more Georgia counties would receive assistance for local government projects and infrastructure improvements.

The other seven counties include Appling, Brantley, Bulloch, Randolph, Tattnall Upson and Ware.

This does not include aid for individuals, which is being handled separately. Counties approved for FEMA assistance to individuals include Baker, Brooks, Berrien, Calhoun, Clay, Cook, Crisp, Dougherty, Thomas, Turner, Wilcox and Worth. 

“Georgia has received significant assistance from President (Donald) Trump, FEMA, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, and our state and local partners,” Deal said. “I am thankful for the immediate attention we have received and for the dedication and hard work of everyone involved as we work together to rebuild and recuperate these local communities.”

On the morning of Jan. 22, a storm system that spawned several tornadoes moved through South Georgia.

One tornado, with estimated wind speeds up to 165 miles per hour, touched down in north Brooks County, killing an elderly couple. The same twister later tore through a trailer park in Cook County, killing seven, before killing another couple in Berrien County.

In all, tornadoes killed 15 people in South Georgia that day. While there were no fatalities in Lowndes County, significant damage occurred on Val Del Road.

Individuals should visit a FEMA disaster recovery center, where officials can help get the ball rolling for aid and emergency small business loans, said Catherine Howden with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. Help includes grants for temporary housing, rental assistance and home repairs and medical expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may also be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.