Storm Cleanup Efforts Continue in Saluda, SC
Saluda, SC (WOLO) — After a series of recent storms, the residents of **_Saluda County_** are facing the challenges of cleanup and power restoration, with the situation still quite daunting for many. As of Wednesday afternoon, over half of the customers from Dominion Energy in the area remain without power. It’s been a tough few days for the community as they come to terms with the aftermath.
School Closures Affect Local Students
Deivid Pinto, a student at Saluda High School, woke up on Friday morning ready to tackle another day of classes. However, instead of the familiar hustle and bustle of school, he found himself in the middle of an unexpected situation: there was no power, and school was officially cancelled for the day. As concerns grew over safety with trees blocking bus routes, the Saluda County School District made the decision to cancel classes for the remainder of the week.
The high school principal reassured students and parents that next week marks **_fall break_**, so classes are expected to resume normally after the break. While this was met with mixed emotions by students, safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds as the community continues to heal and recover.
Community Spirit Shines Through
Even with the persistent challenges of cleanup and power outages, the **_community spirit of Saluda_** shines brightly. Volunteers have rallied together with the local school district to distribute meals to families affected by the storm. Thanks to generous donations from local businesses, including **_Amick Farms_**, the community has been able to provide support to those in need during this tough time.
One notable challenge the volunteers face is bridging the language barrier that exists in a community with a significant Hispanic population. Nevertheless, the dedicated volunteers and staff are doing their best to ensure that everyone feels supported and cared for.
Efforts Extend Beyond Saluda
The cleanup efforts are not limited to Saluda County alone. Surrounding areas like **_Edgefield and Aiken_** are also experiencing the aftereffects of the storms. The sunny skies may make it seem like a beautiful day outside, but for many, the hard work of clearing debris and restoring normalcy is just beginning.
Help Is On the Way
Community members looking to support those affected by the storm can donate non-perishable food, paper products, or hygiene items. There are drop-off locations available at any **_Radius Church_** facility in the area. Every little bit helps, and contributions from the community have made a huge difference already.
Next Steps for Residents
For the residents of Saluda County, the immediate focus is on recovery – rebuilding their lives, restoring power, and helping one another through these challenging times. It’s an opportunity for neighbors to come together, support each other, and reaffirm the close-knit community feel that Saluda is known for.
As more updates about power restoration and cleanup efforts come in, residents are encouraged to stay informed and connected with local resources. Together, the residents of Saluda County will emerge stronger from this experience.