Newberry County Faces Challenges and Shows Resilience After Hurricane Helene
Newberry, South Carolina, is currently picking up the pieces after facing the wrath of Hurricane Helene. The storm, which recently swept through the region, left destruction in its wake, forcing nearly every resident in this predominantly rural county to grapple with power outages and extensive infrastructural damage. According to Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, “There’s not a single corner of this county that hasn’t been affected by this storm.”
Power Outages on the Mend
Five days post-storm, progress has been seen in restoring power. The number of residents without electricity has significantly decreased to under 50 percent. However, Foster warns that there is still “extensive damage” to the power grid, and many areas are still quite limited concerning resources. In light of these ongoing issues, a curfew has been implemented starting from 10 p.m. on October 2 until 6 a.m. the following morning to ensure safety.
Sadly, the storm brought tragedy with it. Two lives were lost in a weather-related crash on Chapman Road in the Little Mountain area. Robert Wise, 49, and his wife Valencia Jones Wise, both residents of Chapin, died at the scene. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has reported that three fatalities related to the storm have occurred in Newberry County, making Helene deadlier than the infamous Hurricane Hugo of 1989.
Community Comes Together
In spite of the challenges, there is a strong sense of community spirit emerging. Sheriff Foster has noted that out of the early-morning desperation, it’s heartwarming to witness residents coming together to support one another. He quoted the beloved Mister Rogers, saying, “When something is scary, always look to the helper,” highlighting the incredible number of helpers emerging in the community.
Officials have organized water and meal distribution sites at the Sheriff’s Office and at the Whitmire Community School with the assistance of the National Guard. “That’s a great deal for us,” expressed Crystal Dandy, a Newberry resident, as she picked up supplies. “People up here in South Carolina have no lights, no water.”
High school students, particularly those from Newberry High School, have stepped up, dedicating their time to lend a helping hand. Student Gavin Brown remarked, “A lot of people lost water, I’ve seen many trees that fell on houses. Some people don’t have houses to stay in, and I just want to help out and do my part.”
Local Businesses Feeling the Impact
Small businesses like Sligh’s Superette in Prosperity have also felt the effects of the storm. The store lost power for more than 32 hours, resulting in the disposal of perishable items. Employee Hailey Watkins mentioned that they’re currently experiencing a scarcity of inventory but are doing their best to serve the community. “We’ve been very busy because the community is out of power. Justin [Middleton], the owner, is doing a great job of keeping his doors open,” she said.
As the community rallies together, it is clear that resilience is at the heart of Newberry County. Sheriff Foster noted on social media, “This has been a widespread disaster for our region… If you are the praying type, please pray. If you are not inclined to do so, send good vibes.”
Moving Forward
Although the road to recovery and rebuilding after Hurricane Helene will be a long one, residents are confident about their future. “We’re just able to come together and bounce back,” stated Gavin Brown. County officials are committed to continuing the meal and water distribution sites for as long as there is a need in the community, offering a helping hand to those in need.
As Newberry County works to recover from the storm’s impact, the stories of community strength, resilience, and collaboration shine through in what is a challenging time for many. The spirit of togetherness serves as a reminder that in hard times, communities can unite to face challenges head-on.
