I Survived: My Scary Experience With Atlanta's Torrential Downpour

Some of you may be aware that earlier this week Georgia and parts of the Southeast have recently experienced heavy rains and tremendous flooding. President Obama recently issued  a federal disaster declaration to parts of the state. It is estimated that Georgia's total damage is close to $250 million. This declaration allows federal assistance from the government's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Individuals can receive grants to help cover disaster related expenses. Those without flood insurance, specifically, residents and businesses, will have low-interest loans made available to them as a result of the damage. As of Thursday, only eight counties have been declared a federal disaster. Many more areas affected by the storm are wondering why they did not make the list.

Rainfall was officially reported to have drenched the city with up to 20 inches in some spots and shut down portions of major highways, state roads, and claimed the lives of 9 people. With even more rain coming this weekend, Vice President Biden toured Atlanta today to see the devastation first hand and meet families affected by the floods. Vice President Biden promised a timely response from the government and likened the loss of homes and severe damage to Hurricane Katrina. "It is not Katrina in its scope by any stretch of the imagination, but the impact on their lives, on your lives, we understand it is Katrina," he stated.

The flood is being called the "500 year flood" because of the probability of it happening is so rare.  Fortunately, my house was one of the few in my neighborhood that avoided a fallen tree. See the pictures below of what I was up against. We did avoid the 50+ pound falling tree limb "spear" with a sharpened end; barely! The "spear" or tree limb from a 50 foot Red Oak catapulted to the ground resulting in a large hole and caused the house to rattle in the middle of the night. Unlike many others, I am fortunate to have avoided a more serious incident. With a new storm brewing, I am fearful and hope I will be as lucky. Will you please consider donating to help in the recovery of Atlanta?

The 50 Pound Limb That Started It All

The Deep Hole Caused By The Falling Tree Limb (aka The "Spear")

What I'm Up Against: More 50 Foot Trees On My Property

      Copyright © 2009 Amanda Kehoe                  

Links: See the Flood Damage to Atlanta, Georgia

The New York Times Article

Video of Vice President Joe Biden Touring Damage on Friday, September 25, 2009

24 Aerial Photos of the Devastation Including Major Flooding to Highways

A Fellow Blogger, Jeff Masters, Writes About The Heavy Rains Hitting Georgia

Video Tour of A Flooded Home in Atlanta

Links to Donate Online: Help the Victims of Atlanta

The Greatest Need: Monetary Donations, Food Banks, Tools

Hosea Feed The Hungry: Desperately Needs Monetary Donations

Atlanta Tool Bank: Needs Donations to Purchase Tools to Assist in Clean-Up

Must Ministries: Food & Clothing Distributed To Victims

United Way of Atlanta: Support Atlanta's First Responders

Suggestions on Ways to Donate to Victims

New Orleans Resident, Tess Conrad Encourages Donation for Atlanta Victims

The Metro Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross Desperately Needs Your Help. Donate Now!