A temporary water outage in Augusta in the wake of hurricane Helene has led to a water distribution effort by the city. On Sunday, cases of water were dispensed at one case per family in front of the Augusta Municipal Building located at 535 Telfair St.
A 24-48 hour water outage was announced by Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson on Sept. 29.
Starting at 10 a.m., volunteers and members of the Augusta Fire Department handed out cases of water to people walking on foot and individuals driving past in a lengthy car line which stretched from Fifth Street to the distribution location.
Volunteers share insight
Volunteer Kevin Halliday said that after seeing the damage in downtown Augusta, he knew he wanted to lend a helping hand. “Going out and seeing the physical destruction was pretty devastating, to see the human impact of it…[it] tugs on your heart a little bit,” he said.
MORE: ‘Worst natural disaster in our history’: Augusta officials give Sunday afternoon storm update
Firefighter Jarvis Guyer spoke about the efforts of his crew, saying that at least three other firefighters volunteering on Sunday had not been home for two days. “We’re working on 72 hours right now,” he said.
Locals affected by the hurricane
Hurricane Helene was one of the most impactful storms Augusta has seen.
A statement on Georgia Power’s website calls the Category Four storm a “historical event,” adding that it is becoming “our most destructive hurricane, damaging infrastructure across the state.”
Jasmine Jarmon, a local who came to take home water, described the aftermath of Helene: “It’s a lot of chaos. Power’s out, no water…a lot of food is getting thawed in fridges.”
A couple affected by the storm, Amaar Surry and Lyniyah Herrington, said they felt a sense of community at the water distribution.
“It’s a beautiful day, everybody’s coming together and trying to help each other,” said Herrington.
Ida Jones, who walked to the municipal building for a case of water, said her daughter made her aware of the event. “I’m so happy…I mean, because it’s just a blessing, because a lot of us ain’t able,” she said.
Volunteer opportunities
Augusta, Georgia Government released on social media a call for volunteers stating that those interested in helping with relief efforts should call 211.
Donations of water, charcoal, baby food and formula and non-perishable food items are also welcomed and can be dropped off at the Augusta Municipal Building, Diamond Lakes at 103 Diamond Lakes Way and Southgate Plaza at 1631 Gordon Highway.
