Laurens County Faces Uphill Battle in Recovery After Hurricane Helene’s Impact

Laurens County Struggles to Overcome Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

Laurens County is picking up the pieces after being unexpectedly hit by Hurricane Helene, which slammed into the community with Category 2 hurricane-force winds. This unexpected storm left behind an estimated $24 million in damages, a figure that could potentially rise, according to County Administrator Thomas Higgs.

The county council had originally scheduled its regular October meeting for the second Monday of the month but postponed it until October 29 to allow staff to focus on the aftermath of the storm, which struck on September 27. Higgs aptly described the situation, saying, “Laurens County had its world turned drastically upside down.” What started as a forecast of some wind and rain quickly escalated into a full-blown hurricane, causing widespread damage.

Impact of the Storm

The aftermath has been nothing short of catastrophic. Over 593 homes were affected, with 43 of those completely destroyed. Higgs further estimated that around 200 homes sustained major damage, and he believes there may be more discoveries to come. He elaborated that the over-saturated ground led to downed trees, which not only destroyed property but affected cell phone service, the local 911 system, and first responders’ priority systems. Roads became impassable, and power went out in many areas.

Despite these significant challenges, the community showed resilience and compassion. “But, we got back up. Neighbors started helping neighbors,” Higgs noted, highlighting how first responders worked tirelessly to assist those in need. In total, about 400 roads were cleared, with deputies even using chainsaws to help get the job done.

Government Response and FEMA Assistance

Higgs expressed his frustration with Laurens County being initially excluded from FEMA’s disaster declaration, insisting that such an oversight was unacceptable. Local officials, including State Senator Danny Verdin and Congressman Jeff Duncan, were pivotal in advocating for assistance from federal and state governments. Their efforts led to vital support from the National Guard, who set up Points of Distribution (PODs) to provide food and water to those impacted.

As the council met in an emergency session, they passed a resolution allowing for temporary changes to the county’s form of government. This resolution will enable Higgs and his staff to more efficiently negotiate contracts for clearing storm debris. The urgency of this resolution reflects how immediate the need is, extending initial provisions by an additional 60 days.

The Road to Recovery

Looking ahead, the total damages from Hurricane Helene are estimated to be around $23,744,644 in Laurens County alone. To qualify for FEMA assistance, the damages must exceed $300,000, meaning the county has met that threshold. “We are tremendously blessed. We have seen the best of humanity in the absolute worst of times,” Higgs said, reflecting on the outpouring of community support.

In conjunction with government efforts, FEMA is working diligently to assist the nearly 13,642 homes across 28 counties reporting damage. They have set up assistance centers locally, making it easier for residents to access support.

A Community United

As the meeting wrapped up, Council Chairman Brown Patterson commended both the staff and volunteers for their dedication and hard work. “Every single one of you in this room went above and beyond the call of duty,” he said, as gratitude filled the room. Local council members expressed pride in the community’s response, emphasizing the importance of neighbors helping each other during these trying times.

Others like Luke Rankin shared heartfelt sentiments about the experience, calling it a time where the community truly came together. “I realize how important it is to have a neighbor who has your back,” he remarked. “This is when the local community comes together.”

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene will undoubtedly leave a mark on Laurens County, yet the spirit of its residents and their commitment to each other is a beacon of hope. While the road to recovery will be long, the collective support shown during this crisis speaks volumes about the strength and resilience of the Laurens community.