Flooded But Not Forgotten: Rallying South Carolina Flood Victims

Photo: South Carolina National Guard Facebook page.

Current Flooding Situation in South Carolina

It has been more than a week since torrential rain began to fall resulting in the devastation of the state of South Carolina. 19 lives were lost, 372 roads and bridges were closed across the state, and over 15 dams were broken or breached. Many areas around the state are drying out, however numerous communities are still struggling to recover.

Columbia has been in a boiled water advisory for the past week as the city tries to repair its water system. The Columbia canal that the city uses for drinking water was badly damaged in the floods and almost drained completely due to breaches. Currently only 10% of the city has clean drinking water from the tap. Farther south Interstate 95 suffered heavy damage where more than a dozen bridges are being repaired while a 16 mile stretch still remains closed, until today, which was forcing drivers on a 170 mile detour through Columbia. The University of South Carolina returns to class this week, but public schools around the Forrest Acres community, one of the hardest hit, remains closed this week as cleanup continues.

Outpouring of Support For South Carolina Flood Victims

Photo: Hand Of Hope Facebook Page

The Red Cross, Salvation Army, South Carolina Emergency Management Division, SC National Guard, SC Department of Transportation as well as many other public and private organizations have been working overtime to help restore communities and assist in cleanup throughout the state.

Private businesses and corporations have also stepped up donating funds and supplies to the flood victims. Wal-Mart announced last week that they were contributing $500,000 to organizations providing aid in the state. In addition, Wells Fargo is donating $300,000 to the Red Cross. Meanwhile, The Boeing Company, Publix Super Markets, TD Bank, Sun Trust Foundation and South State Bank are all contributing an additional $100,000 each. In all, over $1.5 million in money and supplies has been donated to help South Carolina flood victims.

LSU’s Heartwarming Homecoming for Displaced USC Football Team

While sports was probably the last thing on many people’s minds during the devastating floods this past week, there was a heartwarming story for the University of South Carolina football team. Although they tallied a loss against the LSU Tigers on Saturday, the USC football team was welcomed as the home team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana after the game was moved from Williams-Bryce Stadium in Columbia due to the flooding.

Billboards in Baton Rouge reportedly read “Geaux Gamecocks! Make yourself at home.” LSU’s band learned the USC alma-mater and played it before kickoff as South Carolina flags flew over the stadium. Some proceeds from the game were to be donated to the Red Cross in South Carolina also. But, probably the moment that really hit home were the inspirational and selfless words from running back Leonard Fournette in which he announced that he would be auctioning off his jersey to benefit the flood victims of South Carolina.

 How You Can Help the SC Flood Victims

If you would like to volunteer or donate to help our South Carolina neighbors, call the  The South Carolina Emergency Management Division directly at 1-888-585-9643. If you would like to view a list of needed items visit the link they provided here: Needed goods.

The United Way of South Carolina is also providing volunteer services. To signup to become a member of the disaster relief team visit United Way Volunteer Signup.

Or you can give monetary donations to any of the following charitable organizations to help the flood victims directly:

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