Post-flood emergency operations winding down in Chattooga County

Caption

Salvation Army volunteers provide emergency services following the flooding of Summerville, Ga.

Credit: Salvation Army

Schools in Northwest Georgia's Chattooga County returned to class Tuesday for the first time since flooding last week cut off water for thousands of people near the county seat of Summerville.

The Salvation Army's Paula Blevins said the organization served about 15,000 meals during the emergency, which began with flooding but quickly escalated when the area's water treatment plant failed.

The charity's meal preparation and delivery ended on Monday when crews restored water services for most residents.

"It warmed my soul how the people in Chattooga County wanted to take care of each other," Blevins said.  "When we were serving food, there would be people who would come and ask if they could get food for their neighbors."

City officials said the water treatment plant was operating at normal pressure and they took water samples from it on Tuesday.

They were expecting test results back on Wednesday, but until that happens, residents were still under a boil water notice.

The Salvation Army’s Tim Blevins works alongside his wife, Paula, as presiding officers for the organization’s Rome office.

He said although emergency operations were winding down, casework continued for displaced residents who still needed help with resources.

“We are thankful to the generous support of our donors and partners that have made it possible for us to help people in their time of need,” he said. “Without them, we would not be able to show that help.”

Water distribution continued at City Hall and other locations.