Environment News Service: Swollen by five days of torrential rainfall, many Georgia rivers and streams have overtopped their banks, and at least nine people have lost their lives to the flood waters. More than 30,000 homes in metro Atlanta are without power and more than 1,000 residences are estimated to be seriously flooded as indicated by aerial surveillance and 911 calls for help.Governor Sonny Perdue Monday declared a state of emergency that includes 17 counties. On Tuesday, the governor asked President Barack Obama for an emergency declaration to assist the 17 counties with recovery efforts due to flooding and severe weather. If approved, this declaration will provide federal funds for emergency response measures and aid for losses.
"I am confident President Obama will recognize the extensive damage these floods have caused on such a large metro area," said Governor Perdue. "This request for disaster funding is essential for the recovery and rebuilding process to begin for these Georgians, local governments and businesses." The Yellow River reached historic flood levels September 21-22, 2009. Residents of Rockdale County, 20 miles east of Atlanta, try to retrieve belongings from their flooded home. (Photo by David Henderson)
…The heavy rainfall caused significant runoff into area streams and rivers, resulting in major to record flooding across the metropolitan area. Numerous street and homes have been flooded, with portions of the downtown connector closed due to water over the road….
From NOAA, a map showing the record rainfall over the state of Georgia for a one-week period ending September 23, 2009. This includes the events causing the flooding in the state.
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