Fannin County schools in Georgia switched to virtual learning on Monday, November 9, after flooding in McCaysville disrupted the city’s water supply to West Fannin Elementary School.
The school system said teachers would send pupils details of their assignments by 11am, while individual schools would announce arrangements for extracurricular activities by 10am.
Veterans Day events planned at Blue Ridge Elementary and East Fannin Elementary have been postponed. Families will receive revised dates from the schools.
School buildings will remain closed, although directors, administrators, co-ordinators and employees who work year-round have been told to report at their usual times if it is safe to do so. Parents needing assistance have been advised to contact their child’s school administration.
Flood damage leaves McCaysville water system restricted
The decision follows severe flooding across Fannin County, where the Toccoa River rose to a record level of about 18 feet near McCaysville and Copperhill. The river is known as the Ocoee in Tennessee.
Floodwater swept through homes, businesses and roads, prompting evacuations and dozens of rescues. The Associated Press, citing the Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, reported that at least 57 people were rescued by swift-water teams.
McCaysville’s water service was restored on Sunday, but officials warned that the supply is not safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing dishes or cleaning. Residents have been told to use it only when necessary to flush toilets, while safe drinking water is available at McCaysville City Hall.
An emergency shelter operated by the American Red Cross remains open at the Fannin County Recreation Department in Blue Ridge for people unable to stay at home. Volunteers seeking to help with the recovery must register at the Incident Command Centre behind McCaysville City Hall.
