Support Us Button Widget

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.

Helene-9451.png

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.

More from COLAtoday
“Those Lavender Whales & Friends & Family: A Community Concert Film” premieres at the Nickelodeon Theater to honor Aaron Graves’ life and legacy, featuring performances by surviving band members, friends, and family from a June 2023 tribute concert.
Get ready for more espresso, teas, and baked goods, Soda Citizens. Construction on the Lazy Daisy Coffee Co. coffee shop is supposed to start in the fall and open in early 2025. Check out a handful of recently-opened restaurants in Forest Acres.
You can’t spell friend without fried — This year’s SC State Fair will take place Wednesday, Oct. 9, and run through Sunday, Oct. 20.
The MAD Festival in Kershaw County is a five-day festival celebrating music, art, drama, and dance.
Looking for things to do, but keep running across the same old stuff? Check out these local-approved (not-so) hidden gems.
Since the historic flooding in 2015, the Columbia Canal has needed repairs. The City of Columbia + Columbia Water held a briefing to share how the restoration will be done by December 2027.
For three days, Segra Park will transform into a donation drop-off site to garner supplies for the Asheville and Augusta communities.
Enjoy local meals and deals through Restaurant Week, happening around Columbia from Thursday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 13.
Breweries, office buildings, and workout studios — oh my! Read through several development projects that have been in the works in the BullStreet District since 2023.
Support Hurricane Helene relief efforts through volunteer opportunities, donations, or supporting essential resources.