Analytics firm, Moody’s says that damage from Hurricane Helene could be upwards of $34 billion!
Right now, emergency crews in six states are working to overtime to assess the damage.
The Tennesee National Guard shared videos to X showing a glimpse of the catastrophic conditions in east Tennessee. They say since Friday aviators and flight crews have been conducting search and rescues, medical evacuations, and the transportation of critical supplies to those in need. So far, their team has successfully rescued 75 people.
They say that they will support fellow Tennesseans for as long as it takes during this recovery period.
The Georgia Ag Commissioner’s office is getting a jump start on assessing damage. Commissioner Tyler Harper says that his office has heard reports of flattened poultry houses, destroyed row crops, as well as dairies and poultry houses without power.
He is stressing the importance of record keeping during this time, telling farmers his message to them is to document, document, document. He says that his office needs as much information as possible to ensure the state can get needed resources and deploy them as quickly as possible.
They are currently in the process of joining states like Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia in getting federal disaster declarations approved.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is reminding farmers it is crucial for farmers to understand the reporting requirements for federal disaster assistance programs.
Livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish producers should report their losses by January 30th for the Emergency Assitance Program. For the Livestock Indemnity Program, you should apply within 60 days after the program year.
For crop insurance, contact your agent within 72 hours of damage and follow up in writing within fifteen days. For non-insured crop disaster assistance, producers should notify their service center within fifteen days.
