Lowndes Co., City of Valdosta recovery, mutual aid provides essential supplies to citizens

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta faces extensive damage and power outages in wake if Hurricane Helene.

Valdosta and the surrounding Lowndes county are grappling with widespread devastation after Hurricane Helene made landfall on Friday, knocking out power to 100% of the area’s residents.

The powerful storm brought down trees and power lines, with some landing on homes, creating hazardous conditions throughout the county.

Additionally, severe flooding has made many roads impassable, further complicating recovery efforts.

According to Power Outage U.S., as of today, 48,384 of the county’s 59,034 residents remain without electricity. Valdosta State University (VSU) has also been heavily impacted, and university officials have announced the in-person classes will be suspended for the entirety of next week due to the effects of the storm. The timeline for a full recovery remains unclear.

Authorities have implemented an emergency curfew from 8 pm to 8 am until further notice, restricting travel to essential work and medical needs. This measure aims to ensure that first responders, utility crews, and emergency aid groups can safely continue restoration and cleanup efforts.

Despite the challenges, local community mutual aid organizations gave stepped in, providing essential supplies to those in need, helping Valdosta residents weather the aftermath of this destructive storm.

If you’re in the affected area and need updates on sanitation changes or points of distribution for food, water, and essential supplies, check the EMA Lowndes Facebook page for the latest information.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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