ATLANTA, Ga. (WJBF) – After touring some of the hardest hit areas in the state, Governor Brian Kemp and state leaders from Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), National Guard, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) talked about recovery efforts for the state.
Governor Kemp said 33 people have died in Georgia and at least 200 overall from Hurricane Helene.
The state is working with FEMA to get more counties under the emergency declaration to be eligible for a one-time assistance fund and federal resources — right now 41 of the 159 counties are on the list.
“There are still a lot of counties that are not on the list, so he is aware on the ground, so GEMA and FEMA are aware of that,” said Kemp.
Kemp said almost 2,000 national guards are deployed and will help distribute meals, cut trees and clear roadways and power lines.
The GDOT said more than 300 state routes are blocked because of Hurricane Helene. They are working to prioritize especially those with schools and energy production.
They said more than 100 traffic lights are impacted in Georgia and most of those are in the Augusta area. They said if you come across a traffic light that isn’t working, treat it like a four-way stop.
“There are thousands of signs that are bent over, damaged or missing. We have already replaced 2600 signs across the state. In the signs we replace are the red ones like the stop signs and the yield signs” said Russell McMurry, GDOT Commissioner.
Georgia Power said 95% of power is restored in Savannah, 65% of power restored in Augusta and 85% in Macon and Valdosta.
There are more than 3,000 trees damaged and that’s why it is taking crews additional time to repair and restore electricity.
“Over 1500 transformers were damaged, 3200 trees on power lines that they are clear. Some of them are on swamps so they had to use helicopters to clear which is incredibly dangerous and incredibly talented people doing that work,” said Kemp.
The governor said early estimates indicate this will one of costliest storms with repairs at nearly half a billion dollars.
Governor Kemp said to the gas tax suspension goes into effect Thursday and will help commuters save 32 cents a gallon.
Former US President Donald Trump and Governor Kemp will tour Columbia County, in Augusta on Friday on relief efforts.
Insurance Commissioner John King was in Valdosta Thursday and will be in Augusta on Friday to talk about claims and how to best document damages along with insurance agents.