(RALEIGH) -- Gov. Bev Perdue on Wednesday issued issued a disaster declaration for Burke and Rutherford counties following the severe weather and tornadoes that struck on Jan. 11. The declaration allows the governor to make available individual assistance for victims of the storms, typically in the form of grants for housing and other essential needs, up to a maximum of $30,400.

“I will make sure that any possible aid is provided to those who suffered damages from the tornadoes and other severe weather,” said Perdue. “It is critical that we help get our fellow North Carolinians back in their homes as soon as possible.”

The Governor has also requested assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Should this request be granted, homeowners, renters, and businesses that suffered damage from the storm would have access to low-interest loans.  The storm destroyed 25 homes and damaged dozens of others.