This is Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper. As you are well aware, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on our community has been catastrophic. There is literally no personal properties or streets untouched by this storm; those trying to provide aid to our community are literally having to cut their way to us. Due to looting and an in store fire, Walmart was forced to shut down; actions that only hinder the supplies and aid we need. As stores and gas stations become available, police presence will be onsite to ensure we maintain law and order and we are asking the public to stay off the roads during the hours from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Wells 1, 2 and 4 are currently having power restored with the goal of having water restored to our city by the end of September 29th. Please understand the entire power grid for Georgia Power and Altamaha EMC was destroyed. Those two power companies are having to cut their way to transmission lines to begin the restoration process. Once the transmission line is up and running and power can be distributed to sub stations, we have over 1,100 lineman staged at the Vidalia Airport waiting and ready to begin restoring power to our community.
I implore you to remain patient, help others around you and be part of solutions during the most difficult time our community has ever faced from a natural disaster. We have been and will continue to work tirelessly to meet the needs of our community. While you’re hearing from me now, it’s only because the radio station is in Vidalia and I can physically get to it, but the city of Lyons is working to get their water supply up and Toombs County is working to clear roads. We’ve asked the radio station to run this continuously as we recognize for many of you, this is your only source of information. We will provide updates as often as possible. Please keep our community in your thoughts and prayers. God bless you and God bless our city, county and state.
