Greenville Residents Recovering After Hurricane Helene
GREENVILLE — The sun is shining brightly today, with a pleasant high of 78°F and gentle breezes from the northeast, as this lovely city starts its recovery efforts following the chaos of Hurricane Helene. However, the remnants of the storm still linger, reminding everyone of the challenges many are facing. While there are a few clouds touching the sky early on, the clear forecast is a welcome change for the community.
Hurricane Helene: A Community Response
Since Hurricane Helene swept through South Carolina, disaster response teams have been hard at work. In total, the state has opened eight shelters, accommodating about 200 individuals with medical needs, such as power-dependent oxygen tanks that require constant electricity. The unfortunate reality is that many individuals rely on these devices for their daily survival, and without power, their health hangs in the balance.
Just this past Wednesday afternoon, a nurse was seen diligently attending to patients at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. This arena, typically filled with sports fans, has become a crucial facility for those needing round-the-clock medical care. The director of the state Department of Public Health, Edward Simmer, noted that while the numbers of patients have decreased since the storm’s peak, there are still many residents in critical need of assistance.
Medical Supplies in Demand
One of the most pressing concerns in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been the availability of medical supplies, particularly oxygen canisters. Thankfully, new supplies have arrived, with about 700 tanks available to help those struggling at home. However, by Wednesday afternoon, the agency reported that half of these newly acquired tanks had already been given out.
In the hustle of recovery efforts, those seeking medical assistance must first call in, answering a set of questions to ensure their needs match the resources available at the shelter. Once admitted, they receive a care package filled with essentials like water, chips, instant noodles, and hand sanitizer.
Ongoing Challenges and Support
As we look around Greenville, approximately 454,000 homes and businesses still find themselves in the dark without power. Many of these outages are located in the Upstate region and along the Georgia border. While progress is being made, officials warn that some may not see electricity restored until early next week, which is a significant drop from the 1.3 million customers without power at the storm’s height.
The recovery is not just about restoring power. Sadly, the state has confirmed that 39 deaths are linked to the storm, a number that exceeds the fatalities resulting from Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Gov. Henry McMaster emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent any further tragedies, reminding residents to be cautious, especially while using chainsaws, generators, and candles.
A Call for Action from Officials
On a broader scale, officials, including Gov. McMaster and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, met with President Joe Biden to discuss the urgent need for federal assistance. They implored him to declare an energy emergency, which would allow for better management and rerouting of electrical resources as needed. Graham stressed that delays could significantly jeopardize not only the state’s recovery efforts but also the overall public health and safety of its residents.
“We’ve had enough tragedy,” he stated, emphasizing the critical importance of swift action. Unfortunately, the president has yet to engage emergency powers to intervene in an ongoing dockworkers’ strike that has exacerbated an already challenging situation for South Carolina’s economy.
Community Spirit Shines Through
Amidst these challenges, the community spirit remains strong. People like local realtor Dan Bracken have stepped up to offer support, donating generators to those in dire need. This kind of neighborly help is vital, particularly for the elderly and those with medical requirements.
The local YMCA has even opened its doors for residents seeking power and a cool spot to recharge their devices. On Tuesday, they saw nearly 1,200 visitors—a clear sign of the increasing need for resources and support in the area.
How to Help
For any residents needing assistance, the state has set up a Hurricane Helene information line at 1-866-246-0133, where they can find shelter and get help. As Greenville recovers from this arduous ordeal, it’s evident that patience, community engagement, and collective resilience are the keys to moving forward.
Stay safe and look out for one another as we weather the aftermath of Hurricane Helene together!
