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Helene’s impact on SC and disaster relief resources

Gov. Henry McMaster announced assistance programs for several counties across SC to help aid in disaster relief from Helene. Plus, find local resources + updates on Helene’s impact.

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River levels are projected to be back to normal levels by the end of this week.

Photo by COLAtoday team

Due to Helene’s impact on our state, Governor Henry McMaster asked for federal assistance through an expedited FEMA disaster declaration to help people impacted by the storm. Yesterday morning, Gov. Henry McMaster announced the approval for the assistance, releasing federal aid and local recovery efforts for counties across the state.

In yesterday afternoon’s briefing, energy officials shared they hope everyone will have power back by Friday at the latest in the Midlands.

Individual assistance

So far, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Individual Assistance programs for the following counties which provide financial assistance for those who incurred uninsured damages to their property:

  • Aiken
  • Anderson
  • Bamberg
  • Barnwell
  • Cherokee
  • Greenville
  • Greenwood
  • Lexington
  • Newberry
  • Oconee
  • Pickens
  • Saluda
  • Spartanburg

This program also includes business owners as well. Register online or use the FEMA App to apply for assistance.

Public assistance

FEMA also approved Public Assistance for the following counties which will aid in debris removal. States + affected local governments can apply for federal funding to pay 75 percent of approved costs.

  • Aiken
  • Anderson
  • Bamberg
  • Barnwell
  • Cherokee
  • Greenville
  • Greenwood
  • Newberry
  • Oconee
  • Pickens
  • Saluda
  • Spartanburg

The declaration included + approved Hazard Mitigation Grant program assistance, which allows state agencies, local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations to apply for various projects to help mitigate future natural disaster risks using cost-shared funding.

Local resources

Still having power or flood issues?

Helene’s impact by the numbers

As clean-up continues, we’re looking at river levels, wind gusts + rain totals from Helene’s historic weather impact.

Rainfall totals | Heavy rainfall totals in the Midlands received anywhere from 8"-10" of rainfall.

Wind gusts | Columbia experienced wind speeds of ~45 mph and the highest wind gust was reported at 67 mph on Friday, Sept. 27.

River levels | Since last Thursday, river levels in the Midlands have continued to rise but river levels are expected to lower by the end of the week.

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