If, in the event of a disaster in the State caused by an enemy attack on the United States, any officer or legally authorized deputy is not able or is unavailable to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of his or her office, the emergency interim successor highest in rank in order of succession who is available shall exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office until such time as a new officer is appointed or elected and qualified or the regular incumbent of the office or the Deputy again becomes available to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office.
(1975 Code Sec. 1.144)