Telfair County, one of the regions hit hardest by Hurricane Helene in Middle Georgia, is continuing its recovery efforts as roughly 40% of residents are still without power. Local officials and volunteers are working tirelessly to restore normalcy for those affected by the storm.
According to Telfair County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Lee Conner, every street in the county experienced damage, primarily from fallen trees. While some debris remains, significant progress has been made, with all county roads now accessible. The EMA is actively providing food, water, and other essentials to those still impacted by the power outages.
The focus is on helping people return to their regular lives Conner explained. In the meantime, the county is distributing meals, water, and other necessities that some people are still unable to access.
The Georgia Air National Guard has played a crucial role in the recovery, assisting with clearing debris and restoring order. Conner described their involvement as vital, providing much-needed manpower to help clear blocked areas and speed up recovery efforts.
While distribution centers are being consolidated, volunteers plan to stay until power is fully restored. Federal and state aid, along with local efforts, have put Telfair County on the path to a full recovery, though work remains.