Georgia Storm Damage Estimated At $75M

SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. -- As Georgia’s insurance commissioner released a damage estimate of $75 million Monday regarding last Wednesday night’s deadly storms and toadoes, Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are headed to the state to help with the recovery effort.

At least 15 people were killed in the storms and 12 counties have been approved for federal aid. Five days after the storms, the North Georgia Electric Membership Cooperation said it was still working to restore power to 300 customers.

Insurance commissioner Ralph Hudgens told Channel 2 consumer investigator Jim Strickland that storm damage will result in $75 million in insured losses. The estimate was reached after speaking with the top 10 carriers regarding 75 percent of insured homes. Strickland said that damage total was expected to increase.

A State Farm official told Strickland that calls are coming in at a rate of one every 15 to 20 seconds. The insurance company reported 2,000 homeowner claims on Monday afteoon with an additional 1,000 claims for damaged cars.

"It's been very emotional since our customers have been losing loved ones. Their homes are destroyed," said State Farm claims representative Hazel Thomas.

Channel 2’s Amy Napier Viteri went to Spalding County, where residents were awaiting federal assistance to help rebuild. FEMA representatives were scheduled to be in the county Monday to help with recovery.

County manager William Wilson told Napier Viteri he was working with FEMA to set up a one-stop recovery shop where residents could file for aid and pick up essentials such as food and water.

Residents said they barely survived the storms.

”We were saved by the grace of God, and this huge tree that fell right behind us. And the toado actually went over us, survivor Aneva Cloud said.

She said she and her family of five survived by hiding in a ditch behind their home on West MacIntosh Road. She was looking forward to help with picking up the pieces.

Wilson was working with FEMA to convert a shopping center into a recovery center. He said it should be ready Tuesday moing.

”People can donate goods and clothing, anything that they want to, food, down there, Wilson told Napier Viteri.

Wilson encouraged residents to register online before stopping by the FEMA center.