oceanblueeyes, thank you for the very detailed update. Sending hope and prayers for all of those affected so deeply by the damage.
Thank you so very much Spellbound. We need it badly and all of the prayers are greatly appreciated.
When the Jan. 2nd storm ravaged this area no one seemed to be able to get the national media to cover it. There was no loss of life then but the destruction to property was humongous. We are an area filled with and known for beautiful majestic tall Oaks and over 15 thousand of them were lost the first time and included businesses that were a total loss and homes as well. The children had just gone back to school last week for the first time and now this...........
In total the first time around 1500 homes and businesses were affected but even it cant begin to compare to what we experienced yesterday around 3:30 pm.
One of our friend's neighborhoods was hit hard. Their 28 ft. boat was lifted off of the trailer and thrown into their pool. Their home sustained damage but thank God they were able to ride it out without getting hurt. So so many weren't that lucky.
It hit in an area on the east side where so many work at very good paying jobs. No one knows at the moment when they will be able to return to work. It could take months and that will devastate the economy.
Albany and surrounding counties have had their unfair share of natural disasters. In July 1994 Albany, Lee County, and several counties surrounding them were in the 1994 500 year flood. Many lost their lives then too and property damages throughout those counties were horrendous. The Flint River separates east Albany from the other parts of Albany and for weeks they may have well been on an island since the Flint River bridge that connected them was under water for weeks on end. It took all of those counties years to overcome. Even today some areas still lay bare and vacant where no one ever built back. Countless beautiful homes were underwater over the roof and were all destroyed.
But Albany and surrounding areas have very strong good people in them and already everyone is joining together to help those in need. I am collecting hygiene products, clothing, canned foods and everything else my friends/families and I can think of they may need. They have such a long way to go this will have to be done on a regular basis for months. We will deliver everything to the Albany Civic Center where it will be given out to families. Once again, it warms my heart how so many people have stepped up wanting to help.
Even when they were first hit in January everyone here came together to help each other and have put in tireless free hours for weeks now and they will continue now that we have been dealt another blow. I have no doubt about that. The Marine base here has always been so supportive in any disaster but they themselves have been hit hard this time and need help themselves. There are many gas leaks from erupted gas lines and power lines are all intertwined in the tornado's path of destruction.
We have a very long way to go but we will get there no matter how long it takes. We are the type of people, no matter the races, we come together as one when we are needed. I am very proud of the way we all offer comfort and help our neighbors who needs us.
Praying for Albany and for all of SW Georgia!
