South Carolina ramps up recovery efforts as Helene’s 1 week anniversary approaches

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a week since Hurricane Helene slammed into the northern Gulf coast packing catastrophic category 4 winds. Thursday marks the one week anniversary Helene made landfall in Florida and then its rapid ascent into Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and eastern Tennessee the next day. NOAA has released startling images of the Southeast before and after the storm.

Before and after images from Sept. 25 and 28, 2024 highlight power outages in parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. There are approximately 400,000 South Carolinians still without power. Crews are working to restore critical facilities first then businesses and residences.

The National Weather Service in Columbia is also releasing their initial survey damage from Helene. There were a series of high wind events recorded in the Midlands and PeeDee that resulted in extensive downed trees and subsequent power losses.

As cleanup efforts continue around the Carolinas, Helene victims are starting to gain some forward momentum in recovery efforts. Points of Distribution centers are now opening in counties impacted the most by Hurricane Helene. Here is a list of Counties and where you can find help:

Click here to find the Emergency Management office in your county

You can also check the South Carolina’s Disaster Resources page here:
Click here to find out more info on South Carolina Helene victims

As the state continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, a list of current road closures is listed on the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s website.

And the National Guard is mobilizing efforts across multiple states.

Here is a list of several agencies on the ground helping South Carolina as they start the recovery process. If you haven’t been affected by the disaster, but would like to help, please click the links for more info.

The American Red Cross has been on the ground in areas affected by the storm after moving teams of volunteers to regions in Helene’s path to be ready to assist storm victims. The Red Cross has partnered with local shelters, providing snacks and 45,000 ready-to-eat meals. The organization is also deploying emergency vehicles to assist storm victims.

How to help: Those wanting to make donations to Helene victims can visit Redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a financial donation or schedule a blood donation appointment.

The Salvation Army has mobilized teams and mobile feeding units, each of which is capable of providing up to 1,500 meals per day. The efforts began in Florida, but the organization said that assistance would also be provided to residents living in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Along with meal service, the Salvation Army said it is dispatching trained emotional and spiritual care personnel who will provide comfort and emotional support for survivors and first responders.

How to help: Those wishing to donate to the Salvation Army’s efforts to assist storm victims can donate by visiting the organization’s website.

The United Way offers assistance to residents affected by Helene and other natural disasters by providing evacuation assistance, shelter, food and clothing, and other volunteer-driven efforts.

How to help: Those seeking to make monetary donations to storm victims and survivors can do so by visiting the United Way of Florida Disaster Fund website.

South Carolina officials also continue to urge citizens to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance program online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov