South Carolina Flooding: “We Lost Everything” How To Help

Since the month of October began, deadly flooding has engulfed parts of South Carolina, forcing people from their homes. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has activated the National Guard to help with flood rescues. By Monday, October 5th, the rain that had ravaged the state of South Carolina was still steadily thumping over much of the state, in some places for a fifth consecutive day.

Five days of continuous rain caused havoc including a tree blocked a flood-ravaged road, water almost up to light poles, rain water on the second floor of houses and worse. The devastation is heartbreaking.

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Water main ruptures and other problems had left about 40,000 people without water on Monday, Gov. Haley said. Dams had burst and homes had been submerged and ruined, especially in and around Columbia, the state capital. A spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety, Sherri Iacobelli, said Monday night that the storm had killed 11 people in the state. Seven deaths were weather-related drownings, she said, and four others were traffic fatalities linked to the storm.

There have already conducted hundreds of water rescues and at least 25 by air — were rushing Monday to search more homes, restore infrastructure and power, and deliver drinking water.

Here’s how you can help:
• The Salvation Army is assisting communities along the East Coast by providing food, water and shelter to flood victims. You can donate to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts online or by texting STORM to 51555.

•The American Red Cross of the Palmetto South Carolina Region needs volunteers to assist in shelter operations and disaster assessment. New volunteers can visit RedCross.org/SC and click on volunteer to start the application process.

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• The South Carolina Baptist Convention has deployed food and child care units to assist flood victims. A chainsaw unit also is on the ground, helping to remove fallen trees interfering with power lines.

•The Francis R. Willis SPCA shelter experienced a tremendous amount of flooding in their kennel areas. Now the shelter is in need of assistance to restore the location. They’re asking for donations to the “FRW SPCA Emergency Flooding Fund.”