Hurricane cleanup continues

Barbara Jeffs, a Nelson resident, knows first hand the devastating impact hurricanes have had on the southern states of our beautiful country. Her brother and sister-in-law, Bradly and Connie Jeffs, settled in the southern part of Georgia after both returned from service in Iraq. Their home is nestled quietly between Blythe and Hephzibah, just south of Augusta, Georgia. Connie chose a home close to Hephzibah because of its biblical meaning. In the Bible the name Hephzibah means, "My delight is in her" and represents God's favor and pleasure towards His people.

At the end of September, the first hurricane hit the southern part of the United States with a most devastating blow leaving death and destruction in its direct path. In Barb's brother's area alone, 54 people have been reported killed and the number is rising. Brad said in the flooded areas the death count is in the thousands. Much hasn't been reported to the public. One of the reasons why is because families have to be notified first before the public and under current circumstances, this is hard to do. Law enforcement and county officials are overwhelmed but are working hard.

The day before the hurricane was supposed to hit, residents were told they would be getting 30 to 40 mile an hour winds. This is common during hurricane season. Usually, when a hurricane gets close to the shore line, the land will cause the hurricane to change direction and go directly up the coastline. Not this hurricane, for it was much too powerful. The eye of the storm came straight onto the land and brought with it floods, tornadoes and insurmountable winds and devastation, impacting everyone in its path.

Brad said he'll never forget when it hit. The afternoon was filled with darkness and storms like he had never seen before. He couldn't see anything in his yard when looking out the windows of his home that dire afternoon. The next morning was a somber day and filled with tears by everyone in the community. He was shocked by the devastation. Power lines and trees were down everywhere.

Georgia is covered with trees and heavily wooded areas, very plush and beautiful. On his property alone, he counted more than 40 trees down, most of them big and between 75 to 100 years old. His driveway was covered with trees. To get out, he had to first cut up all the downed trees and clear his 100 yard driveway. Once he finished his driveway, then it was time to clear the highway. As other residents made it out, they helped each other with cleaning the highway of downed trees, power lines and poles.

When Brad reached the town of Blythe, where he works for the city, he met with the mayor and together they went out and cleaned the streets and helped residents. Both Brad and the mayor are retired military men. They have become close friends. This friendship and brotherhood has helped them be strong and courageous through this difficult time.

Clean up has been steady since the hurricane hit. People were without electricity and water for two weeks. Brad said his heart was so greatly touched by all the people in the area. People cooked daily and brought food and water to the city hall for distribution. People from throughout the country sent water, food and supplies to the area. Volunteers helped those in need. Everyday for two weeks, residents worked and helped each other. Neighbors helping neighbors, what a beautiful sight. After two weeks of hard work, electricity and water were restored to the area. Brad estimated it will take six moths to a year to totally clean up the communities.

FEMA has brought in one tank of water for the community. People can apply for a $750 assistance fund but hardly anyone is getting approved and actually receiving it.