A month after Helene, CSRA recovery efforts still underway
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Tons of debris is slowly being processed into mulch, one month after what many are calling the worst storm to ever hit our area.
It’s been one month since Hurricane Helene changed both lives and landscapes, but some people say it still feels like there’s a long road to recovery.
Ivan Bolgla is a retired battalion fire chief.
UGA expert explains best trees to replant after Hurricane Helene
Across the CSRA, we saw thousands of trees come down due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Some property owners are already asking the question of what they should plant next.
He says he has never seen anything like Hurricane Helene before.
“Not since the ice storm. That was the worst thing I’d ever seen in the fire department. But this is the worst thing I’ve ever seen or been through,” said Bolgla.
Cleanup efforts in the CSRA are well underway.
But when you drive through Bolgla’s neighborhood, you can still see what the storm left behind.
DEBRIS DROP-OFF:
- The Augusta landfill will extend its Saturday hours to assist Richmond County residents with debris disposal. Nov. 2 hours: 6-10 a.m., regular operations; all waste; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., storm vegetation debris only, no commercial customers.
“We know we’re probably one of the last ones, because they want to clean out the main roads in Augusta, and we understand that,” he said.
Richmond County says they have 95 trucks out and they have picked up more than 560,000 cubic yards of debris.
They say they are focusing on main roads to ensure it’s safe for emergency vehicles and school buses.
A month after Helene, here’s an update on FEMA assistance
A month after Hurricane Helene swept through the region, here's a look at how much assistance the Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided.
Some say getting back to normal is getting the debris picked up.
But Bolgla says he is thankful for what he does have right now.
“All utilities are back, safe and sound. It was a learning experience. It was a trying experience. First time I’ve had to go down to a creek and pull water out with a five-gallon bucket so we could flush our toilets,” said Bolgla.
Columbia County says they have up to 76 trucks out every day.
TRAIL TROUBLE:
- Due to significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Augusta Utilities announces that the Augusta Canal towpath from the raw water pumping station to the Savannah Rapids Pavilion will remain closed to the public until further notice. You can continue to enjoy the canal from the Lake Olmstead Park to the pumping station or from Lake Olmstead to downtown.
The safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority, and crews are working diligently to assess and repair the damage. Updates on the towpath’s reopening will be provided as repairs progress. We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as we work to restore this popular recreational space.
They have enough roads to pick up debris on that it’s like driving from here to Dallas, Texas.
New westbound lane opens at state line as I-20 project continues
If you hit the westbound lanes of Interstate 20 Monday morning, you might’ve noticed another lane is open.
They say they are working on heat maps to concentrate on areas hit the hardest.
Richmond and Columbia counties are asking you to make sure you only put vegetative debris to the side of the road.
Augusta city officials say it is going to take months to rebuild, but recovery efforts will continue for as long as it takes.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
