VALDOSTA — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, leaders from many different levels of government came together at Lowndes County’s Emergency Operations Center to address the community and inform them about the actions being taken to help those most affected by the storm.
Congressman Austin Scott, representing Lowndes County, recognized the damage. Scott said he appreciated the help provided by those distributing essential supplies like food and water to those affected by the disaster in the area. He also described how Hurricane Helene impacted roughly ten percent of the country.
Chairman Bill Slaughter shared an update, mentioning that despite notable progress, there are still pressing needs to be addressed in the community. Slaughter emphasized the importance of patience during this period and stated that things might get tougher before they improve.
“This community is resilient. We have been here before. This is much heavier of a load, but we will carry this load,” Slaughter said. “Stay Lowndes Strong.”
Mayor Scott James Matheson emphasized the importance of unity and how the city’s challenges have garnered nationwide attention. Matheson commended volunteers from neighboring areas for providing supplies.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell greeted the attendees on a somber note, confirming that three members of a national FEMA search and rescue team were involved in a fatal accident while traveling to assist with recovery efforts.
She then talked about FEMA’s role in the recovery, explaining that she had come to Georgia to assess the damage and work with Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) to process a significant disaster declaration request. Criswell closed the announcement by acknowledging the community’s efforts during this challenging time.
“It is this true spirit of Neighborhood, this true spirit of people helping people, that gives me so much inspiration in a time like this when we so much damage and so much destruction,” Criswell said.