Aiken, S.C.: Recovery Continues After Hurricane Helene
As we continue to navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the city of Aiken, South Carolina, is working tirelessly to restore power and bring normalcy back to the community. Despite the challenges, effort remains strong with dedicated teams on the ground. As of Tuesday, an estimated 618,000 power customers in the Southeast are still without electricity, a significant drop from the peak of 1.3 million reported on Friday.
Power Restoration Challenges
In Aiken County alone, over 62,000 customers are still facing power outages, and local utilities have indicated that full restoration might take several more days. The widespread damage caused by the hurricane has created complications for crews working around the clock to fix the situation.
State and Local Efforts
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster held a briefing this past Tuesday from the state’s Emergency Operations Center, shedding light on the ongoing recovery efforts and the significant impact of the storm. He reported a tragic toll of 36 casualties statewide as a direct result of Hurricane Helene, with 24 of those lives lost in the CSRA.
“We’re committed to ensuring everyone gets the support they need,” said McMaster. The governor also announced that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and that the expedited major presidential disaster declaration has been approved. This means that residents in affected areas, including Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, and Saluda counties, may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance.
National Guard and Law Enforcement Support
The South Carolina National Guard has stepped in, with 973 soldiers currently deployed to help in the recovery efforts. Major General Van McCarty highlighted that they are bringing in additional support from Florida, including an Air Guard unit with crucial debris-clearing capabilities. “We look forward to having those soldiers or airmen from Florida tomorrow,” McCarty stated.
In addition to the National Guard, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has also sent agents to various counties, including Aiken and McCormick, to provide extra support during this challenging time.
Roads and Shelters
According to Justin Powell from the South Carolina Department of Transportation, over 450 routes are still closed across the state. Fortunately, power and transportation crews are collaborating to expedite the reopening of these vital routes.
In terms of shelter, Mike Leach from the South Carolina Department of Social Services shared that there are currently 15 shelters open in the state, including nine general population shelters and six medical need shelters. Ready-to-eat meals and water supplies have been distributed to affected counties. Furthermore, the Salvation Army has been active in Aiken, Edgefield, Barnwell, and Saluda, operating canteens to assist those in need.
Leach also mentioned that a request has been made for 15,000 additional meals and water for Aiken County, demonstrating a commitment to meeting the community’s needs.
Health and Safety
In a positive note, all hospitals across the state have reported power restoration, easing concerns for healthcare access post-storm. Safety remains a priority with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation sharing tips on how to stay safe during power outages and when engaging in storm cleanup.
As Aiken and the surrounding areas continue to recover from the trauma of Hurricane Helene, neighbors are pulling together, showing their resilience and the strength of their community. While the road ahead may be long, the spirit of togetherness is what makes Aiken truly shine.
