Moore County escaped damage from the devastating tornadoes that swept through North Carolina on April 16.

However, because Moore is contiguous to four counties with serious damage, it is among 23 additional counties that may qualify for farm disaster relief, according to Amber A. Waller, executive director of the Moore County office of the Farm Service Agency. The agency is an arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The designation means that eligible Moore County farmers may apply for emergency loans for physical and production losses caused by the storm. The deadline to file an application is Dec. 19.

Waller says any farmer who suffered such losses should contact her office for additional information. The office is located in the Moore County Agriculture Center on Pinehurst Avenue in Carthage. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

As a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, President Obama has declared a major disaster in North Carolina. The primary disaster counties are Bertie, Bladen, Cumberland, Halifax, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Onslow, Wake and Wilson.

In addition to Moore, counties listed as contiguous to the primary disaster area include Chatham and Hoke.