Candler Co. continues repairing roads after torrential rainfall

CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Candler County is in the process of repairing roads impacted by flooding.

They’re still dealing with impacts from Debby, Helene, and now the sudden flooding that occurred last week.

As of Thursday morning, the county says that around 11 roads are still damaged or closed.

Most of these closures are on dirt roads.

Mayor of Metter, Ed Boyd, says that the flooding came at a time when the people within the city were still in the process of picking up debris from Helene.

At the time the roads flooded last week, the mayor says more than 7-thousand tons of debris had been collected.

“We know that we will be able to come through this, better off and a lot better shape. We’re just enduring and I know the people are worn out with it and are just ready for this debris to be gone, but it will be. It just takes a little time. I think the FEMA folks are out now going house to house and are informing people on how they can make claims an again, we are blessed,” Mayor Boyd said.

“Moving forward in recovery mode and getting better everyday,” said Justin Wells, Candler County EMA Director.

It’s the optimistic outlook that most Candler County officials have during the recovery process.

“We received over 10 inches of rain fall in about 24 hours. The rainfall amounts were not anticipated in that short amount of time,” Wells said.

Candler EMA Director Justin Wells says the damage to the roads still closed will be costly.

“We’re looking at hundreds of thousands worth of damage for the dirt roads. If the bridges have to be replaced, or repaired, that could far exceed those numbers,” Wells said.

Mayor of Metter, Ed Boyd, says that most roads in town were cleared of flooding.

However, he says that the debris collected seems never-ending.

“We’re making progress, but it seems like every time we clear a street, it gets reloaded with debris that keeps getting put out there,” Mayor Boyd said.

The Mayor says tons of debris from the past couple of months is being collected.

“About seven thousand and thirty tons of debris so far. With probably another twenty-four to twenty five tons left to still pick up,” Mayor Boyd said.

Wells says the county is working with both state and government officials such as GEMA, FEMA, Core of Engineers, and other agencies to reach that full recovery goal.