In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby, Bulloch County officials held a press conference on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 to address the unprecedented damage and ongoing response efforts.
Dal Cannady, Bulloch County Communication Director coordinated and led the presser: "I want to thank the media folks that are here helping us get the message out to the community and beyond about the historic and unprecedented conditions we've faced in the past few days. Catastrophic damage from Tropical Storm Debby has hit our community hard."
Cannady introduced the speakers, including County Commission Chairman Roy Thompson, County Manager Tom Couch, EMA Director Corey Kemp, Sheriff Noel Brown, Captain Chris Rodewolt from the Georgia State Patrol, and Deputy Director Mark Sexton from GEMA.
Roy Thompson, Bulloch County Commission Chair: "This event is unlike anything we've faced before. We've had to continue rescue operations under challenging conditions. I'm grateful to the Bulloch County VOAD, Pitman Park UMC and First Presbyterian for providing shelter and aid, for the businesses, organizations and churches that are supporting this effort and especially to those public safety heroes with boots on the ground working tirelessly. This community's response has been nothing short of amazing."
Tom Couch, Bulloch County Manager: "The heavy rainfall and flooding have severely damaged our roads, bridges, and drainage infrastructure, particularly in the southern part of the county. Despite no fatalities or widespread power outages, our road infrastructure is in dire condition. We have numerous state partners assisting us, and we ask everyone to be patient as we assess and address the damage."
Corey Kemp, EMA Director: "As of noon today, we have about 100 roads closed, four dam breaches, ten water rescue calls, and over 1,400 emergency calls. We urge everyone to stay off the roads and keep updated through our Facebook page and local media. We have substantial resources available to continue our response efforts."
Noel Brown, Bulloch County Sheriff: "We love our citizens and need their cooperation now more than ever. Please heed warnings and stay off the roads. Our first responders and various agencies are working tirelessly to manage this crisis."
Chris Rodewolt, Georgia State Patrol Captain: "Our troopers are out there 24/7 ensuring highway safety. If you see hazards like fallen trees or water on the roads, report them to us. The ground is saturated, and trees can fall unexpectedly, posing serious risks."
Mark Sexton, Deputy Director of GEMA: "We have 250 National Guard soldiers and numerous state resources on the ground. We're monitoring nine dams with issues and actively coordinating with local and federal agencies to manage this situation. We're here to provide the necessary resources and support for recovery."
During the Q&A session, officials addressed questions about the involvement of various agencies, dam safety, and the county's preparedness for such a massive rainfall. They emphasized the importance of individual preparation and the community's role in recovery.
Q&A with Leaders
Q: Could you explain how many different agencies have come into the county or the ones that are here?
Mark Sexton: We have assistance from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Forestry, and the State Insurance Commissioner. Additionally, we're receiving local help from Columbus, Perry, and Effingham County. We're humbled by the various types of assistance, especially since we didn't realize the extent of the damage until this morning.
Q: What should people do if the threatened dams break?
Mark Sexton: We are currently tracking issues with nine dams. It's crucial for residents to have an evacuation plan in place and assess their needs, such as what to take with them. The time for planning is nearly over, so if families aren't ready to move, they need to prepare immediately.
Q: Can we get any updates on the Cypress Lake Dam?
Tom Couch: We're hopeful that once the weather clears and we can get aerial assessments, we'll have the information we need. However, it's a serious situation, and we are closely monitoring it.
Q: Was the county expecting this much rain?
Roy Thompson: In my 78 years, I've never seen anything like this. We were prepared based on weather reports, but Tropical Storm Debby slowed down significantly, leading to prolonged rainfall over the area. It’s an act of God, and while we had emergency operation plans in place, the storm’s behavior was unpredictable.
Q: How many homes have been flooded, and were they all in flood zones?
Corey Kemp: Most of the flooded homes were in flood zones, but some were just outside of them. Additionally, some areas flooded due to dams breaching in neighboring counties, bringing unexpected water into non-flood zones.
Q: What’s the long-term plan for displaced residents?
DeWayne Grice, Bulloch County VOAD: We're working with CEDRC in Savannah to set up local recovery funds and are requesting evaluations for long-term needs. Many homes will be totaled, and while we don’t have all the answers yet, we're putting a plan in place to support affected families.
Q: How critical is the situation along I-16?
Tom Couch: Water levels are very high near I-16, and if the rain continues, it could potentially wash over the road. GDOT is aware and monitoring the situation closely. We’re also getting reports of other local roads being washed out.
Q: What kind of damage should we expect with continued rain?
Noel Brown: We expect more flooding and potential damage to old infrastructure. The rain has caused worn-out structures to give way, leading to more problems downstream. It's crucial to pray for guidance and strength to handle what lies ahead.
Q: How are the sheltered people being accommodated, and what are the long-term needs?
DeWayne Grice, Bulloch County VOAD: Our shelter at Pittman Park Church, with a capacity for 50, is providing basic essentials like cots, bedding, and food, thanks to local donations. We’re working with organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army for long-term case management. Many homes won't be habitable again, and the situation is exacerbated by the lack of available hotels due to Georgia Southern's move-in weekend.
Cannady then proceeded after to further urge the fact that everyone is working hard to make sure everyone is safe and accounted for.
Cannady: This is a long-term operation, and our crews have been working tirelessly. We thank everyone for their dedication and will continue to provide timely updates. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we appreciate all the support from our community and media.
Watch the live stream of the press conference