Kemp visits Augusta, addresses Helene relief efforts
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp witnessed the damage done by Hurricane Helene firsthand when they took an arial tour of Augusta and the surrounding area this morning.
Later, at a press conference outside the James Brown Arena, Kemp reported on the level of devastation he witnessed.
“This storm literally spared no one,” he said.
“To see the level of destruction a hurricane could do in this community…being this far from the Florida line is undisputed.”
He said that the current death toll in Georgia is 25, with 17 of those deaths in the Augusta area.
He said that while efforts are underway to restore power, clear debris, and repair damaged property, he sympathizes with those who feel the wheels of progress turn too slowly.
“We know people are frustrated,” he said. “We know they are tired. We know they need the power back on. I promise you, we are working 24/7.”
Kemp said that he had started the process of ensuring federal aid before Helene made landfall, spoke to President Biden on Sunday, and continues to press for rapid and complete recovery efforts.
“We will continue to work – in a bipartisan way – on disaster relief in this state,” he said.
Kemp said that Helene had left 1.3 million residents without power, including approximately 95% of Augusta area residents. He said approximately 5000 skilled workers, some coming from as far as Montana, are in or making their way to the Augusta area to assist in restoring power.
“We will not waver until we get everything put back together,” he said. “It may take a while but just know we are working 24/7 to get the power back on, the roads cleared, and water operational.”
Kemp said those affected by Hurricane Helene can find recovery resources, relief centers, and information at the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security website.