Newberry County Faces Long Road to Recovery After Hurricane Helene Devastation

Newberry County Recovers from Hurricane Helene’s Wrath

The folks in Newberry County, South Carolina, are facing a long road to recovery after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. It’s hard to believe that just a few days ago, this predominantly rural area was plunged into darkness as almost everyone found themselves without power. Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster expressed just how severe the situation was when he said, “There’s not a single corner of this county that hasn’t been affected by this storm.”

Progress Amidst Challenges

As of now, the situation is improving. The number of residents still without electricity has dropped to under 50 percent, which is a huge relief for many. However, the sheriff has pointed out that there’s still extensive damage to the power grid, so it’s going to take a bit longer before everything can be fixed completely. The county is still struggling with scarce resources in some areas.

In response to the ongoing challenges, local officials have decided to implement a curfew from 10 p.m. on October 2nd until 6 a.m. on October 3rd. This is to ensure safety as larger portions of the county are still suffering without power. Sadly, the storm has also resulted in tragic losses; two people lost their lives in a weather-related accident on Chapman Road in the Little Mountain area. Sheriff Foster confirmed that Robert Wise, 49, and his wife Valencia both died at the scene, making the hurricane deadlier than even the infamous Hurricane Hugo back in 1989.

Community Spirit Shines Bright

Despite the hardships, the community is showing immense strength and resilience. Sheriff Foster remarked on the sense of unity he has witnessed over the last few days. “Out of the desperation that we felt during those early morning hours, it’s wonderful to see people coming together,” he said. He even referenced a beloved quote from Mister Rogers, saying, “When something is scary, always look to the helper,” emphasizing that numerous helpers have stepped up to provide assistance.

To support those still without power, local officials organized water and meal distribution sites at the Sheriff’s Office. This has been running for three days now, and they’ve even partnered with the National Guard to set up a second distribution spot at the Whitmire Community School. This initiative has been a lifesaver for residents like Crystal Dandy, who expressed her gratitude: “People up here in South Carolina have no lights, no water.”

Grocery Stores and Supply Challenges

As everything gets back on track, local grocery stores are doing their best to restock shelves after the widespread disaster. However, items are flying off the shelves as quickly as they are stocked. Sheriff Foster mentioned that particular goods, such as sandwich meats, may be scarce until power is fully restored across the county.

A Call for Support

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Foster shared, “This has been a widespread disaster for our region of the United States.” He reached out to the community—“If you are the praying type, please pray. If you are not inclined to do so, send good vibes.”

As the residents of Newberry County navigate the obstacles left in Hurricane Helene’s wake, their unwavering spirit shines through. It’s a reminder that even in the toughest times, the community can come together to support each other in incredible ways. Let’s keep them in our thoughts as they rebuild and recover.