Chatham County residents affected by Tropical Storm Debby and the subsequent flooding are now eligible for individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency after President Joe Biden granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Georgia Tuesday.

Individual assistance is also being offered to Bryan, Bulloch, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long, and Screven counties. This assistance applies to individuals and households.

Chatham County residents can apply for FEMA assistance by:

• Applying online at disasterassistance.gov
• Calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585)

"This is something we've been working towards on behalf of our residents. We are grateful that the federal government has made these funds available," Chatham County Chairman Chester A. Ellis said. "We've had residents displaced and struggling due to the flooding caused by this storm, and we are proud to see our local, state, and federal partners working together to help those in need."

Public assistance has been granted to Chatham County to reimburse money spent by local government and nonprofit organizations during Tropical Storm Debby.