West Columbia Recovers from Hurricane Helene’s Impact
As residents of West Columbia, South Carolina slowly start to dig out from the debris left behind by Hurricane Helene, the community is uniting to overcome the challenges presented by the powerful storm. Governor Henry McMaster provided a much-needed update this week, announcing that significant strides have been made in restoring power across the state, although many are still facing outages.
Progress on Power Restoration
During a press briefing on Monday afternoon, Governor McMaster revealed that over 745,000 residents were still without power statewide, a stark drop from the peak of 1.3 million outages reported just a few days prior. Crews from various utility companies have been working tirelessly to restore electricity whenever possible. However, customers in some harder-hit areas might be waiting up to a week or more before their power is restored.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us,” McMaster said, encouraging the public to “be patient” and to recognize the dedication of the utility teams on the ground. He also extended heartfelt wishes for the community to “keep your neighbors and friends in your prayers.” The sense of camaraderie among those affected is palpable, underscoring the resilience of the community amidst such uncertainty.
Roads and Recovery Efforts
The storm’s aftermath has also left its mark on local infrastructure, with the South Carolina Department of Transportation reporting that around 480 roads remained closed due to debris and damages. Crews are on the move, working swiftly and safely to clear the roads, ensuring that transportation can resume as quickly as possible.
On that same Monday, McMaster announced that his request for an Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration had been approved. This crucial development means that federal aid will be made available to supplement state and local recovery efforts, providing relief for those most affected by the storm’s devastation.
Federal Assistance Available
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has stepped in, approving individual assistance programs for various counties, including Aiken, Anderson, and Spartanburg, among others. This program is designed to offer direct financial aid to residents who have suffered uninsured damages due to the hurricane.
Residents seeking assistance can easily apply by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, calling the dedicated number 1-800-621-3362, or utilizing the FEMA App. It’s important for individuals using relay services to provide the relevant numbers for accurate assistance.
Understanding Public Assistance
In addition to individual aid, FEMA also approved Public Assistance funding for the same counties, which can assist local governments with costs associated with debris removal and emergency protective measures. The program may cover 75 percent of the approved expenses, providing vital financial support as communities begin to rebuild.
It’s worth noting that the list of counties receiving assistance isn’t final, and more areas may be added as damage assessments continue. As it stands, western South Carolina and the Upstate were hit particularly hard, with reports indicating that 99% of electric customers in Greenwood County and 95% in Spartanburg County were without power as of Monday morning.
Weather-Related Tragedies
On a more somber note, officials have confirmed that the storm has sadly claimed the lives of 29 individuals due to weather-related incidents. Greenville and Spartanburg counties each reported six fatalities, with Aiken County following closely with five. Among these heartbreaking losses, the sacrifice of two firefighters in Saluda County serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that accompany such natural disasters.
As recovery efforts continue, it’s clear that West Columbia and surrounding communities are coming together to support one another. With ongoing assistance from state and federal agencies, residents can hope for a swift recovery and a return to normalcy in the days to come.
