Storms left a massive chunk of the state of South Carolina underwater, with parts of the Lowcountry getting more than two feet of rainwater and Columbia up to 16 inches.
At least nine were dead. Forty thousand people are without water as of Monday afternoon. Many residents saw curfews, evacuations and boil-water advisories—and a firm directive to stay home and stay safe.
Gov. Nikki Haley called it a 1,000-year flood, referring to there being a one-in-1,000 chance of this happening in a given year.
The South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church is now stepping up in the aftermath, with Bishop Jonathan Holston urging prayer, generosity of compassion and financial resources and volunteerism as the state begins slow steps to regroup and heal.
Bishop Jonathan Holston urges people to refrain from making unsolicited donations of things like clothing and food and instead to respond to identified needs. Damage will be assessed once flood waters recede and trained early responders will begin relief efforts before volunteers are called in later.
Donations to help in the aftermath of the South Carolina flooding should go to Advance #901670, U.S. Disaster, said Gregory A. Forrester, assistant general secretary, UMCOR Disaster Response.
Last Updated on February 6, 2024