Update on Hurricane Debby Flash Flooding

Public Information Release

Update on Hurricane Debby Flash Flooding

Work continues related to identification and cataloging of possible damage to structures because of flooding from Hurricane Debby rainfall. Rainfall amounts, ranging from 10 to 12 inches over a four-day period North of Liberty County, caused both the Canoochee and Ogeechee rivers to reach historic levels. As a result, certain areas of the County within the watersheds of those rivers experienced extremely high-water levels.

The Liberty County Emergency Agency (LCMA), in conjunction with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), began monitoring rising basin levels and contacting residents August 9, 2024. Red Cross approved relocation shelters were established August 10, 2024, for those desirous of moving and Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief was mobilized to assist if necessary. Fortunately, no one indicated the need or desire to move to the shelter. The County, both manually and with drone technology, began cataloging water levels and surveying structures for possible damage. During this process, LCMA worked closely with several partner agencies including the Liberty County Board of Education to provide status updates so that the agency could make critical decisions involving school closures and attendance.

Following several days of monitoring, water levels have receded which will allow damage assessment teams to visit the impacted areas. This will involve visitation to all sites suspected of sustaining losses because of the flooding or storm. Per GEMA requirements, these teams will record damage and provide estimates which will be sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This work is expected to extend into next week. If your residential structure has sustained damage, please contact (912)-368-2100 and leave your name, address, and contact number.

Liberty County is working with groups to help aid and guide those residents directly impacted by the storm. The United Way of the Coastal Empire has included Liberty County as part of their Rapid Response Disaster Fund area. They may be contacted by calling 2-1-1, emailing [email protected], or visiting the United Way website at uwce.org/211. Individuals may also call the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief at (770)-936-5254 or the Red Cross at (803)-309-1330. We will share any details concerning possible financial assistance as they are made available from GEMA or FEMA.

On Saturday August 17,2024, Liberty County will provide a container for use by residents to dispose of damaged material. The site will be located on Mt. Olivet Church Road directly across the road from the church. Residents may not place any paint, oil or petroleum products, or hazardous material in the container.