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Gov. Bob Riley promises help for WashCo
Riley said the worst devastation he had seen during his flight across the region was by far Dauphin Island. “But, there are many pockets and small communities, like Chatom, that were devastated by this storm,” he said. “Luckily there is a great group of local officials who are doing everything they can to get things back to normal for the residents here.” The governor said efforts were underway to supply the area with such needed items as generators, water, ice and MREs (meals ready to eat). He also ordered 50 of the 450 Alabama National Guardsmen currently assisting the Mobile area to be sent to Washington County to help the local sheriff’s and police departments. “These law enforcement departments are obviously undermanned and need the assistance,” said Riley. Sen. Sessions said Choctaw County was equally devastated, due to its location, which is northwest of Washington County. “This was a colossal storm,” he said. “It is incredible that it did as much damage as it has. Huge amounts of water were dumped on areas that hadn’t been flooded before, causing large amounts of devastation.” Sen. Shelby said the responsibility of the relief effort would ultimately shift to the federal government. “As needs are assessed, we will do what we can to help our own people,” he added. Riley said the Alabama Emergency Management Agency is currently assessing damage and would have estimates within the next two to three days. “This is probably the most expensive hurricane in the country’s history,” he said. Afterwards, Chatom Mayor Harold Crouch said he was pleased with the results of his meeting with the governor.
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