Beaufort Residents Seek Aid After Hurricane Helene’s Fury
Beaufort, SC – This past September, our quaint coastal town faced one of its greatest challenges yet when Hurricane Helene barreled through, leaving destruction in its wake. Now that we’ve had a moment to catch our breath, it’s time to dive into what this means for our beloved community and the assistance that’s on the way for those in need.
A Wait No More for FEMA Assistance
Good news is here for residents of Beaufort County! Starting this week, individuals affected by the storm are now eligible to seek disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Our county has joined 27 others in South Carolina and the Catawba Indian Nation, all now qualifying for help after the devastation we witnessed from Helene.
Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore shared that FEMA swiftly sent a team to assess the damage throughout our area. They found an estimated $3 million worth of property damage inflicted upon local homes and businesses. It’s heartbreakingly evident that many of our neighbors are still feeling the raw impact of this storm.
Understanding the Impact
The storm, which struck on September 26, made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching up to 140 mph. While it weakened as it moved northeast, it still caused significant destruction and flooding across the Carolinas. In Beaufort County, we were not entirely spared, with reports of up to 250 deaths statewide and around 49 lives lost in South Carolina. Thankfully, we can count ourselves lucky in our county, as no fatalities were reported here.
What Assistance is Available?
Residents whose homes and personal properties sustained damage can take heart knowing that assistance is here! Homeowners can apply for loans up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate. Renters and homeowners alike can seek up to $100,000 for personal property damage. Additionally, small businesses have access to special Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help them recover and get back on their feet.
Local Heroes Rising
Just a week prior to this announcement, Jasper County was the first among us to receive FEMA assistance. They faced severe damage too, including a fire station that was crumbled by a falling tree. A local fire chief shared that their county estimated a staggering $5.99 million in storm damage, but they’re also collaborating with FEMA to set up a disaster recovery assistance center. What a teamwork!
Turning to the Community
In our own backyard, Hurricane Helene left behind visual reminders of its wrath—a couple of boats have been left unmoored and could be seen stranded on the beach. The iconic Henry Robinson Boardwalk along Sands Beach also took a hit, with parts of it swept away, leaving people wondering when it will be restored.
How to Get Started
If you or someone you know has faced damage from Helene, it’s vital to act quick and seek support! You can begin the process by visiting disasterassistance.gov or simply calling 800-621-3362. It can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone—help is on the way!
In Conclusion
While the winds may have died down, our spirit remains unbroken. This period of recovery might seem daunting, but together as a community, we will overcome the challenges handed to us by Helene. So take a deep breath, seek the support available, and remember that brighter days are just around the corner!
