Hurricane Helene’s Impact: Columbia Residents Unite in Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Helene’s Impact: A Community Comes Together in Columbia

Columbia, SC, is currently in the midst of a challenging situation as Hurricane Helene continues to leave its mark on the Midlands. The storm is gaining strength and is expected to track north, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the area. Residents are currently keeping a close eye on rising rivers while reflecting on both the immediate aftermath of the storm and the ongoing recovery efforts.

Rivers on the Rise

As of today, it’s clear that the Columbia area is feeling the effects of Helene. Water dumped by the hurricane is making its way down the Congaree and Broad rivers, which are currently at alarming levels. This morning, officials reported that the Congaree River is cresting at about 30.5 feet, just short of the 32 feet level seen during the devastating floods of 2015. Thankfully, emergency officials are monitoring the situation closely, and expect the river levels may stabilize if no additional water is released from local dams.

Community Response and Evacuations

Neighborhoods like Cayce’s Riverland Park have been hit particularly hard, leading to the evacuation of several residents. City officials have been proactive, going door-to-door to inform more than 100 families in the area about the voluntary evacuation due to rising waters. As Cayce officials state, “Our staff, including police, fire department, public works, and parks department, are all working around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.” They continue to reassure residents that drinking water in the area remains safe despite the challenging circumstances.

Interestingly, amidst the devastation, there’s also a sense of community spirit. Casual conversations can be heard among neighbors as they assess the situation. A little girl on a scooter navigated through her block while locals helped one another, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.

City Services and Support

West Columbia has also provided updates about its water and sewer operations, affirming that they continue to function normally without anticipated service outages. City Manager Teresa Wilson was quick to address rumors circulating on social media about potential water service shutdowns, emphasizing, “These claims are false. There are no boil water advisories and no issues with the main lines.”

Meanwhile, city workers are busy clearing roads and assisting Dominion Energy, as approximately 8,000 households in Columbia still face power outages. Public Works Director Robert Anderson stated the clean-up will take considerable time, admitting that crews have responded to more than 200 calls related to downed trees.

Government Actions

In response to the devastation, President Joe Biden has declared a disaster for South Carolina, which enables access to federal funds to aid recovery. This includes grants for temporary housing, low-cost loans for property losses, and support for local governments dealing with the emergency. Attorney General Alan Wilson has also activated the state’s anti-price gouging law to protect residents from unfair pricing during this critical time.

Moving Forward

The coming days are going to be pivotal as Columbia residents continue to navigate through the storm’s aftermath. As they watch the waters recede and city services operate at full throttle, it’s clear that the community is coming together with hope and resilience. Yes, the challenges are significant, but in moments like this, the true heart of Columbia shines through.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops. Together, we will overcome the hurdles left in Hurricane Helene’s wake.