Flood of ‘94©

Do you remember where you were during the Middle Georgia flood of ‘94? I do. We were living in Canada managing the Canadian Blue Bird operation (a wonderful chapter of our lives I might add) so we don’t have any firsthand experience of the flood; only news accounts, what my mom was relating to us and what Blue Bird colleagues were telling us.

What got me thinking about that time was the horrible news we’re seeing regarding the flooding in Kentucky; as of this morning already 25 confirmed dead! An incredible tragedy for our KY neighbors to the north.

Here’s a quick look back at what happened here in ‘94 according to The Center for Disease Control report on July 29, 1994:

On July 3, 1994, tropical storm Alberto struck the Florida panhandle with maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour. On July 4, as the center of the storm deteriorated over Columbus, Georgia, a cold front pushed through Alabama and southwestern Georgia from the northwest, producing warm, moist air and unstable weather resulting in heavy, prolonged thunderstorms. Rainfall totals in some areas of south central Georgia were 12-15 inches during a 24-hour period; Americus, Georgia, recorded 24 inches on July 6. Several rivers, cresting up to 20 feet above flood stage, inundating major portions of the state. Flood waters forced closure of 175 roads in 30 counties, and more than 100 dams and recreational watersheds were either damaged or destroyed. Forty-three (27%) of Georgia’s 159 counties were declared federal disaster areas, and seven additional counties were declared state disaster areas.

I am thankful that we have to look back 28 years to remember a flood like that in Middle Georgia. but the reality is these kinds of flood s are happening weekly all around the world. If you don’t believe that, go to The Two Preachers on YouTube.com. Every week they show new heart-breaking floods from all over the world.

When I see that kind of destruction, I am so thankful, especially this year that here in Middle Georgia, we have not suffered floods or drought. In fact, after a rather dry spring, were able to harvest a record crop of hay just last week; it will be more than enough to carry the cattle through the winter!

With this renewed awareness of how fragile our ecosystems are, I’d like to leave you with this thought for week: James 5:7b says “…..See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” I hope you’ll be thankful with me for a bountiful harvest this year in Middle Georgia and please remember the folks who have lost everything in a flood or cannot get to food this year because of war…..think Ukraine’s wheat customers.

Thanks for reading All About Seniors…..see you next week!

Bill Milby is a Director of Visiting Angels® of Central Georgia, a non-medical, living assistance service for seniors. If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach him at william.mercylink@gmail.com or search for us at https://www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsofCentralGA/

HHJ News