Officials from two of the Northwest Georgia counties hardest hit by flooding last month say they still are not sure just how much damage was done, even though state and federal emergency workers are gone.

David Ashburn, Walker County coordinator, said initial estimates were about $4 million for the county, but he wouldn't hazard a guess at what the final total would be.

State and federal agencies "were wanting numbers immediately, and we were still rescuing people," Mr. Ashburn said.

The county is going town by town, department by department, adding up expenses, he said. Some of the initial estimates were too high, but most have proven to be too conservative, he said.

More trees have fallen, more ditches need to be cleaned out and some roads have shown more damage than expected, he said.

"They gave us an initial assessment, but as you go around, you find there's more and more that wasn't in the original thing," Mr. Ashburn said.

Trion, Ga., Mayor Benjamin Perry said he also doesn't have a damage assessment yet and isn't sure when he'll have one.

"It's going to be extensive," he said.

Staff Photo by Lesley Onstott
Flooding in Trion, Ga., including the Trion Dyke and earthen levy that may not suffice in holding back the flooding Chattooga River.

Mr. Perry said he and other city employees were still not back in town hall because repairs are ongoing. He said repairs had not even begun for the Recreation Department or the school system's central office.

It could be next year before officials know the full cost, Mr. Perry said.

Meanwhile, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine has urged insurers to be prompt with responses to claims of flood damage. He also said they should "exercise leniency in dealing with affected individuals and businesses that may experience difficulty paying premiums."

Mr. Perry said he believes the insurers have been fairly attentive so far. He said many people are repairing their homes and apartments and he has received no complaints from Trion residents about insurance companies responding to claims.

Mike Helton, county manager of Catoosa County, another county hard hit by flooding, did not return calls seeking comment Friday.