SOPERTON, Ga. — The small town of Soperton in Treutlen County is struggling to recover days after Hurricane Helene swept through Central Georgia, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Mayor John Koon described the impact as "catastrophic" during a press conference held at Old Treutlen County High School, where a distribution center has been set up to provide essential supplies to residents.
"We've never had anything like this hit Soperton and Treutlen County in history," Koon said. "It paralyzed us, it crippled us. We had zero power, zero water for a number of hours. We had major highways where relief efforts could not come in, and we could not get out. We had no communication until just recently."
Aerial footage, obtained by 13WMAZ, revealed the extent of the damage, showing vast areas of downed trees and damaged structures across the region. The local timber industry, a crucial economic driver for the area, has been particularly hard hit.
Phil Jennings, chairman of the Treutlen County Board of Commissioners, surveyed the damage from a helicopter.
"We're talking hundreds of acres of pine trees, 20-30 year old pine trees that look like they were clear cut. Every single tree is on the ground," Jennings said. "You know, that's not counting the trees on lines and roadways, on houses and everything else."
Emergency response teams have been working “tirelessly” since the hurricane hit. Justin McNure, director of Treutlen County Emergency Management Agency, highlighted the dedication of his crew.
"We have guys that have worked around the clock," McNure said. "I think before I got my first hour of sleep since this thing hit, I was 120-plus hours in, and the same thing with my guys."
The National Guard has now arrived to assist with relief efforts, helping to distribute water, food, and other supplies at the high school. However, officials stress that the recovery process will be long and challenging.
"We're looking at extended periods, especially in the county, for power to be restored," Jennings said. "Getting these pods set up, getting these supplies in here has been a game changer for all of us and our residents being able to have access to water, tarps for their buildings, meals, ice, and the baby supplies that have been coming in."
Local businesses have stepped up to help, with Lanza Jet, a major employer in the area, providing generators, water, and food.
"I've never seen a group of people put everything to the side, come together and work for a common goal, like what we're working on now," Jennings said. "It makes me proud to be here. It makes me proud to serve."
Officials are urging patience as they work to restore power and essential services. They have not provided a specific timeline for full restoration, saying that the extent of the damage means recovery will take time.
Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to visit the distribution center at Old Treutlen County High School at 4145 Fowler Street. For the latest updates on relief efforts and power restoration, officials recommend checking the Treutlen County Emergency Management Agency's social media pages.
"We are here to help our citizens until they can start feeling some bit of normalcy again," Jennings said.