‘This is tough stuff’: Metro Atlanta neighborhoods hit by Helene working to pick up the pieces

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Clean up efforts in Metro Atlanta neighborhoods hit hard by Helene continued Saturday.

Several homes along Peachtree Creek in Northwest Atlanta were underwater Thursday night into Friday morning.

Orlando Bejarano’s home off Woodward Parkway experienced significant damage.

“I don’t know. It’s very painful. All the hard work, the things that you love, gone. It’s very difficult,” he said.

Bejarano says he lost three cars and several cherished items in what felt like a blink of eye.

“It all was full of water when we left here,” he said.

He says he’s trying to salvage what’s left.

Just a few miles up the road on Manor Drive. Rust Richards was doing the same.

“Even right now, we don’t know if we need to move out, we don’t know if we need to lift the house. The uncertainty is more anxiety producing,” said Richards.

Contractors were out working on repairs at his home Saturday.

The area experienced similar catastrophic flooding in 2009.

Residents Atlanta News First spoke to say they are reliving that experience over again.

Richards says the rising waters from Helene reached historic heights. Like many others, he’s choosing to see the silver lining.

“This is tough stuff, it’s not easy,” Richards said. “At the same time everyone is healthy. Everyone is safe.”

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