ATLANTA, Ga. (WSAV) – Governor Brian Kemp was joined by multiple state officials to deliver an update in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Kemp was joined by Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security (GEMA/HS) Director James C. Stallings, Agriculture Secretary Tyler Harper, and Adjunct General Richard D. Wilson for the Georgia Department of Defense.
The Governor praised the recovery efforts, only in their beginning stages as the sun starts to shine on the wreckage left over from the Category 4 hurricane. The storm moved in a different path than initially projected, with general wind gusts of 90 miles per hour (MPH). Alma, Ga., located in Bacon County, had gusts of over 100MPH.
Kemp encouraged patience as the journey to rebuilding begins, with the top priority being medical centers such as hospitals and facilities that handle critical medical emergencies. One facility in particular is South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, which is currently without power.
“One way or another, we’re going to get power back on there,” said Gov. Kemp.
1,000,000 Meters are without power according to Georgia Power. The company has 10,000 personnel ready to respond to the outages. Across the state, 17 shelters are open, holding an estimated 1,100 people.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reports that there have been 152 road closures throughout the state, including two Interstates: Interstate 16 in Laurens County and Interstate 20 outside of Augusta.
Generators have been deployed to help power traffic lights. Bridges are in good shape and the Savannah Port is operational, though with limited output due to precautionary measures.
Northeast Georgia will prepare for a water release out of Lake Raybun Reservoir in Raybun.
At this time, 500 National Guard soldiers and airmen have been mobilized to assist in route clearance and debris removal. Yesterday, 250 were deployed, and today, another 250. These Guardsmen have been assigned to clearance teams.
As for the agriculture impact, scores of timber, dairy, poultry and other agriculture facilities are without power. Ag. Secretary Harper is also working to get gas stations and general stores back online and open.
Harper’s message to farmers echoed his words after Debby just over a month ago: document, document, document. The more agriculture workers can show their damage, the easier the assessment and ultimate rebuilding. Talks are already underway about federal assistance.
For those who want to volunteer in recovery efforts or debris removal, Kemp urges you to contact your local EMA for ways to help.
