McCaysville continues to clean up after catastrophic flooding – Atlanta News First

McCaysville continues to clean up after catastrophic flooding  Atlanta News First

While the floodwaters have receded, the damage will likely take months to years to repair. ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A day after destructive flooding hit McCaysville in far north Georgia, residents are left to start picking up the pieces on Friday. “Everybody that I know is down helping or is coming to help. Because this is ours,” resident Betty McCarty said. McCarty is part of a large coalition of residents and volunteers who are clearing debris from downtown businesses. McCarty says when she woke up, she grabbed her gardening gloves and got to work. “You can’t wait for people from outside to come in when you’re small.

You just gotta get up and go,” McCarty said. Debris is strewn across downtown McCaysville, which is right next to the Toccoa River. On Thursday, the river reached a record of more than 18 feet, flooding businesses and forcing residents onto their roofs. Overall, swiftwater teams rescued more than 80 people, according to officials. GEMA Director Josh Lamb said 97 water rescues were conducted across the county. Most were done in the southern portion. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mandatory curfew in place after more than 80 rescued from flooding in Fannin County Schools in Fannin County remain closed on Friday. A mandatory curfew is in place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and