LaGRANGE — American Red Cross officials said Tuesday recent flooding affected more residents in Troup County than any of the other 19 counties in the Central Midwest Georgia chapter.

At least 40 people from 14 families were displaced from their homes in Troup after record rainfall swelled area waterways and flooded homes, according to Gaines Harman, a disaster response volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Harman said the chapter is continuing to evaluate the needs of evacuees.

“At this point, we’re calling all the (emergency management agencies) and we’re talking to them to find out if there are any issues we need to prepare for, if we need to open a shelter,” Harman said.

So far, no shelters have been opened, but the chapter has given money to affected families to purchase food, clothing and hotel rooms.

Chapter volunteers made follow-up calls to affected families Tuesday to re-evaluate their needs, but the situation is stable, according to Harman.

Although the rain subsided Tuesday, floodwaters moving south from upstream could still present a future problem, Harman said.

“What you have to consider is that the water comes from north to south, so we just have to watch how that affects the larger rivers and larger streams,” he said.

Connie Hensler, the Central Midwest Georgia Chapter’s executive director, said volunteers are working tirelessly to help displaced families relocate.

“Our volunteers have been great,” she said. “They were right there responding on Christmas Eve, working late into the evening.”

She said monetary donations are the most effective way for area residents help the American Red Cross support families affected by the flooding.

“It’s easy to do by calling 1-800-Red-Cross or going to our website at www.redcross.org,” she said.

The local American Red Cross chapter office can be reached by calling 706-884-5818. It is located at 900 Dallas St.

The Central Midwest Chapter of the American Red Cross covers 20 counties from the Alabama-Georgia border west to Bibb County, north to Haralson County and south to Troup County. An estimated 1 million people live in the chapter’s service area.