After the storm: Overcrowded animal shelter, IV fluid shortage, impact on farmers

(GEORGIA NEWS NETWORK) – Some animal shelters in Savannah say they’re struggling after receiving an influx of animals after Hurricane Helene. Renegade Animal Shelter says they’re at capacity with more than 680 dogs in their care. A volunteer with the shelter says they’re looking for more help fostering pets and donations.  
 
The storm is blamed for a critical shortage of IV fluids in metro Atlanta, with one major hospital rationing supplies after receiving less than half of its usual shipment. The shortage, attributed to damage to a Baxter manufacturing plant in North Carolina, has raised concerns among medical professionals. Fox 5 Atlanta reports Children’s Hospital of Atlanta expects another shipment next week, with Baxter projecting a return to 100 percent supply by the end of 2024.

Helene has cost Georgia farmers more than six-billion dollars in losses. That’s according to an analysis from the University of Georgia, Georgia Forestry Commission foresters, and the state economic model. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper tells the AJC the future is uncertain for thousands of farmers in the state of impacted by Hurricane Helene. State senators are working on federal relief aid to help Georgia farmers with recovery efforts.