Recovery Efforts Continue in Greenville and Spartanburg Post-Tropical Storm Helene
Just two weeks after the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Helene, residents in Greenville and Spartanburg counties are rolling up their sleeves to rebuild what was damaged and pick up debris. Greenville and Spartanburg counties have now entered a recovery phase, and officials warn it may take several months for the two counties to fully recover.
Greenville County Spokesperson, Bob Mihalic, and Spartanburg County Spokesperson, Scottie Kay Blackwell, have been giving regular updates about the cleanup process, restoration efforts, and assistance programs available. According to them, the tasks at hand are both vast and varied.
Clearing Out Debris
One of the most visible impacts of the storm is the amount of debris it has left behind. From tree branches to parts of buildings, trash and scrap have been scattered all over. The effort to pick up such debris has already started and is in full swing in both counties. It is, however, critical that, while homeowners are assisting in this critical job, they must ensure their safety first.
Power Restoration
One of the pressing tasks for the counties to address after the storm is the restoration of power. It’s been a priority for officials in both Greenville and Spartanburg, and though they’ve made significant progress in the past couple of weeks, there is still much to be done. Restoration crews are still out on the roads, working tirelessly to restore power to the remaining households still in the dark.
FEMA Assistance and Available Aid
In this trying time, FEMA assistance has been a noticeable ray of hope for residents affected in both counties. As both counties are now officially in recovery mode, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has stepped in to offer support in terms of recovery aid. This aid has provided much-needed relief, however, gaining access to this aid involves navigating through some bureaucratic red tape. Luckily, the South Carolina County Day event in Greenville has been organized to offer citizens direct access to multiple forms of recovery aid, all in the same place.
Emergency Services and 911 Call Volume
During the storm and its immediate aftermath, emergency services and their associated 911 call centers saw a significant uptick in call volume. Even now, these emergency services are stretched thin as they respond to calls related to the storm, as well as more routine emergencies. However, the dedicated teams are doing everything they can to manage the volume and continue to provide critical assistance to residents in need.
Slow-Speed Road to Recovery
Despite the initial devastation, there is a strong sense of community and strength displayed by the residents of Greenville and Spartanburg. Cooperation and resilience are in abundance as everyone chips in to help with the recovery process. As reiterated by Mihalic and Blackwell, full recovery is not expected overnight, and will likely stretch out over several months. We remain hopeful that, with cooperation and mutual aid, Greenville and Spartanburg will rise again, demonstrating the resilience inherent to their community members.
