Washington County is reeling after what is being described as ‘historic havoc’ following damage sustained from Hurricane Helene late last week.
Early Friday morning, the storm, which made landfall at Florida’s ‘Big Bend’ as a Category 4 Hurricane, ushered it’s way into middle Georgia – still categorized as a hurricane possessing deadly winds and rain.
Gusting 75 mph winds resulted in widespread devastation to homes and properties as tall trees came crashing downwards. Rainfall totals over a less than 48-hour span from Tuesday through Thursday resulted in over 10.5 inches.
Now, three days removed, while some citizens are just beginning to regain normalcy – in the sense of power, phone reception, and internet – and many others remain literally in the dark, all are still feeling the effects of the tortuous storm.
Led by the Washington County Emergency Management Agency, local officials warned for the duration of last week about the incoming severity of Hurricane Helene. Still, even the most in-tune prognosticators did not foresee the amount of stemming damage.
The unforgiving storm claimed two local lives.
The community desperately mourns the loss of a pair of siblings – a 7-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy – who succumbed to injuries sustained after a tree fell into their home during the storm.
According to reports, the home on South Hospital Road in Sandersville also caught on fire as the falling tree brought a power line down with it into the house.
An 11-year-old sister and the two parents of the children were able to escape the home.
Those wishing to financially assist the family with funeral costs, new housing, and everyday expenses may donate through a verified source by clicking HERE.
Washington County Public Schools are currently closed through Wednesday.
A decision will be made closer to time on if school will resume on Thursday, October 3. All classes are cancelled. The next three days will not be at-home learning days.
Brentwood School and the Oconee Fall Line Technical College Sandersville campus are both closed through Tuesday and will also reassess later on official reopening dates. The OFTC Fall Commencement ceremony will be rescheduled from Thursday to a later time.
Glascock County Schools are closed for the entire week.
Washington County Regional Medical Center outpatient services will not be offered on Monday.
Community Healthcare System clinics are not seeing patients today.
For individuals in the current clean-up process of collecting tree limbs from yards, note that there is a burn ban in the City of Sandersville. Citizens are advised to not burn debris without prior approval.
On Monday, the Sunset Shop of Sandersville is teaming with Fraser Roofing and the Sheriff’s Office to distribute donuts, muffins, sandwiches, grilled hot dogs, and chips to in-need community members.
The give-a-way will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue as supplies last. Sunset Shop is located at 1344 South Harris Street in Sandersville.
As restorations continue county-wide to restore power and clean-up debris, citizens are reminded to remain alert at all times when traveling. Look out for roadside crews, downed trees and power lines, etc.
* * * Photos Courtesy of David Brooker * * *
