Greenwood County Struggles After Hurricane Helene and Earthquakes

News Summary

Residents of Greenwood County face a challenging recovery after Hurricane Helene caused severe destruction, leading to wide power outages and significant community assistance efforts. The opening of a Disaster Recovery Center offers crucial support, while recent earthquake activity adds to the turmoil. Despite these trials, the community demonstrates remarkable resilience, banding together to cope with the aftermath.

Greenwood County Reeling from Hurricane Helene’s Fury and a Series of Earthquakes

The folks in Greenwood County are going through quite a tough time as they recover from the recent onslaught of Hurricane Helene, which left behind a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm’s impact was serious, with many residents caught off guard by its ferocity. So, how is the community coping? Let’s dive into the details.

A Rainy Outlook

Starting off the day, residents woke up to partly cloudy skies which eventually turned into a full-blown rainstorm by afternoon. With temperatures reaching a high of around 72°F, things got a bit breezy, with winds gusting from the south-southwest at 10-20 mph. But what everyone was waiting for was the rain – a solid 100% chance meant that locals prepared to see a quarter of an inch of downpour. And yes, the threat of thunder was certainly in the air, adding even more drama to the day.

Disaster Recovery Center Opens

Amidst the chaos, there’s been a bit of good news. The Disaster Recovery Center has resumed operations as of January 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ready to assist residents affected by the hurricane. Located at the United Way of the Lakelands on 929 Phoenix St, it’s a crucial hub where homeowners and renters can find much-needed help. If you need federal assistance, you can easily apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA app. For those looking for a more personal touch, there’s always the option to call 800-621-3362.

Power Outages and Community Spirit

The impact of Hurricane Helene was so severe that nearly all utility customers—26,924 out of 27,077—found themselves without power. The storm unleashed winds up to 70 mph and dumped up to 15 inches of rain in some areas, and it didn’t stop there. Tragically, the hurricane has been linked to at least 23 fatalities across the state, which included two brave volunteer firefighters from Saluda County. It’s hard to even imagine how the community is grappling with these losses.

With the power out, many businesses struggled to keep their doors open, leading to long lines forming at the few establishments still functioning. In an incredible show of community spirit, some local restaurants pitched in by giving away food, and grocery stores operated on generators to serve customers amid the chaos.

Recovery Efforts Underway

As the situation unfolds, crews are working tirelessly to assess damages, clear roads, and restore power. Unfortunately, many roads are still partially or fully blocked due to fallen trees, making recovery that much harder. It has been reported that around 315 homes in Greenwood County have suffered damage directly related to the storm, and over 12,000 residents have already applied for assistance from FEMA.

Unexpected Earthquake Activity

As if dealing with the hurricane wasn’t enough, Greenwood County residents have also experienced a series of small earthquakes. In one single day, there were eight quakes, the largest registering a mild 2.5 magnitude. Most of these happened near Coronaca, and while there was no reported damage, many residents certainly felt the earth shake beneath their feet, adding another layer of stress to an already challenging time.

Banding Together

Despite everything, the silver lining is how communities are coming together. Neighbors are joining forces to clear debris and support one another as they navigate this difficult period. It’s heartening to see such resilience and strength among the people of Greenwood County as they pull together in the aftermath of the storm.

As the weather finally starts to calm, here’s hoping that brighter days are ahead for Greenwood County and that the road to recovery is swift and filled with support.

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Additional Resources

• Index Journal: Disaster Recovery Center Reopens
• Fox Carolina: Greenwood County Recovery Update
• The State: Greenwood Weather Update
• CBS17: Helene Damage and Earthquake Report
• WSPA: Greenwood County Property Tax Update
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
• Google Search: Greenwood County Recovery Efforts
• Google Scholar: Disaster Recovery
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural Disaster
• Google News: Greenwood County News