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New FEMA center opens for Helene victims in Augusta

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New FEMA center opens for Helene victims in Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – FEMA has been boots on the ground in our community for the last two weeks after Hurricane Helene.

But now, they have a more semi-permanent place in our community.

It’s all happening at the HUB in Augusta.

The new Disaster Recovery Center will be opening on Sunday at 1 p.m.

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Helene left widespread damage across our area. Debris is in the process of being removed by various counties.

Since then, some people have been putting in damage claims both with insurers and FEMA.

Now, Jovanna Garcia, media relations specialist for FEMA, says it’s important for them to be in direct contact with people like you who have been impacted by Helene.

“We’ve been here since day one, since the beginning. Actually, pre-positioned before the hurricane hit. But the thing is that in order for families and those that were impacted to feel that a sense of us being here, a sense of us here to help, having this community center here, localized in an area that has been heavily impacted, but it’s also accessible for a lot of people to receive assistance,” said Garcia. “We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be here, but FEMA is not going to leave. We’re here to stay until everyone receives the assistance necessary for them to start their recovery process.”

She says they want people to come to the center and register with FEMA.

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You can update and check your registration there.

Garcia says these are the top things to do when applying for FEMA assistance:

  • File a claim with your insurance company
  • Register with FEMA Follow up with FEMA
  • Meet with an inspector
  • Keep up with your information with FEMA.
Cleanup underway for Augusta area

Garcia also had important advice as the process goes on.

“The most important thing is that once they register, they have to keep up with their information updates. They’re going to get a call from an inspector, and inspectors got to come out to the home. But the biggest thing is staying informed with us,” she said.

If you get a determination letter or need to follow up with documents, you can go to the center as well.

If you cannot get there, you can call 800-621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov. There are options for different languages if needed.

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Augusta, GA

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

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25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.

Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.

While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.

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Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.

The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

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Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.

The following individuals were indicted:

(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)

  • Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine;  Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
  • Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern


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  • Two large wildfires in south Georgia have burned approximately 54,000 acres and are now 90% contained.
  • Suppression costs for the fires are estimated to exceed $18.3 million, with crews still managing hot spots.
  • Georgia remains in an extreme drought, increasing the risk of fires throughout the summer.

Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.

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However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.

Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.

“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”

Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.

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As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.

The state remains in an extreme drought.

“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”

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This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.



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