(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) continues coordinating recovery efforts following significant severe flooding that impacted portions of North Georgia.

Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a State of Emergency for Fannin, Gilmer, Murray and Union counties on Nov. 5, allowing for the expedited deployment of critical resources, personnel and equipment. 

“We are making all necessary resources available for the communities impacted by last week’s catastrophic flooding,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As our prayers remain with those impacted, we are working diligently with partners at all levels to ensure a full recovery.” 

GEMA/HS also activated the State Operations Center (SOC) to Level 2 to coordinate a multi-agency response involving the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Defense (DOD) including the Army National Guard and Georgia State Defense Force, Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS), local emergency management agencies and first responders from Tennessee.

“Having seen the damage firsthand, I understand the challenges these communities are facing,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “We are thankful of Governor Kemp’s decision to declare a State of Emergency, allowing us to expedite critical resources and support recovery efforts. Our priority remains working alongside local officials to ensure impacted residents and businesses receive the assistance they need to recover.”

GEMA/HS personnel responded immediately and began actively coordinating life-saving resources and working with local emergency management officials and first responders. Personnel continue to support response operations and assist impacted communities as recovery efforts move forward.

As recovery operations continue, GEMA/HS and its partners are supporting impacted communities through the following efforts:

  • Search and Rescue: Coordinated life-saving resources and emergency response personnel during the flooding emergency. So far, there have been 103 reported rescues, including 100 in Fannin County and three in Gilmer County.
  • Damage Assessments: Deployed 12 personnel organized into six two-person teams to assess damage to residential and commercial properties, public infrastructure and other affected facilities. Teams reported completing 74 assessments on November 6, with significant areas still requiring evaluation. Current assessment priorities include McCaysville, Fightingtown, Power Dam Road and Lick Skillet. Damage assessments remain in the early stages, with significant areas still requiring evaluation. 
  • Resource Coordination: GEMA/HS has fulfilled 32 resource requests, providing helicopters, boats, unmanned aircraft systems, emergency debris clearance, personnel, drinking water, care kits, fans, sump pumps, dehumidifiers and other critical resources to support local response and recovery operations.
  • Debris Removal: Coordinating debris clearance along state and local roadways to restore access to impacted communities. Additional efforts are focused on debris affecting waterways, public infrastructure and flood-damaged properties.
  • Water Service Restoration: Supporting ongoing recovery efforts at an impacted water treatment facility. There is currently no estimated date for the facility to be fully operational, and restoration of water service remains a significant recovery priority.
  • Essential Supplies: GEMA/HS Logistics and Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VAL) have coordinated bottled water donations for impacted residents. Volunteer and nonprofit organizations are also providing food, meals ready-to-eat (MREs) and other essential supplies.
  • Shower and Laundry Facilities: Working to secure additional shower and laundry trailers to assist residents impacted by flooding and ongoing water service disruptions.
  • Residential Cleanup Assistance: Coordinating requests for fans, sump pumps and dehumidifiers to assist residents experiencing standing water and flood-related damage in their homes.
  • Shelter Support: Coordinating with partners to address shelter and mass care needs. An emergency shelter was established at the Fannin County Recreation Multi-Purpose Center, located at 580 Winding Drive in Blue Ridge.
  • Donations: To donate to the impacted communities, a drop-off location has been established in McCaysville to collect food and essential supplies. Monetary donations are also being accepted through the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce in Blue Ridge

Damage assessments remain the primary operational priority for November 7, as teams continue evaluating impacted areas and identifying additional recovery needs. GEMA/HS remains in close coordination with local emergency management agencies, state partners and volunteer organizations to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

As communities begin the recovery process, GEMA/HS will continue supporting debris removal, infrastructure restoration, damage assessments and the delivery of essential supplies to affected residents.

Residents are encouraged to avoid damaged roadways, follow guidance from local emergency management officials and report property damage to their local emergency management agency.

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.