Baptist Press
By Scott Barkley, posted August 9, 2024 in Disaster Relief
STATESBORO, Ga. (BP) – As rainfall totals passed 12 inches, saturated ground led to fallen trees, dams giving way and more than 100 damaged roads in Bulloch County, Georgia, from Tropical Storm Debby.
Pastor Todd Wiggins of Southbridge Community Church was among those affected, as floodwaters crept into his home. The flooring in the master bedroom and closet will have to be replaced. The roof and exterior walls received damage as well. But he knows it could have been worse.
“We were blessed, because there were people who lost their whole home,” he said. “Others had damage up to 4 feet high, so in the grand scope, it’s not too bad.”
Area rivers are being monitored as they continue to swell. Wiggins has heard stories from other parts of the county of rainfall as high as 18 inches in 48 hours.
The timing is unfortunate. Statesboro is a college town and so has its share of hotels for those who may need a place to stay outside of their damaged home. But, it’s also move-in weekend for Georgia Southern University and those hotels rooms have been booked for some time by parents.
Southbridge already had plans in place to minister to those moving in. The last 24 hours, though, have required stepping in to help those in the flood as well as ministries and groups providing resources.
Brooklet First Baptist Church, southeast of Statesboro, has already hosted a meal for first responders. Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief personnel will be on-site Monday, said Wiggins, with Southbridge serving as the base of operations.
At least one church member had significant home damage. More Here
