Cayce Residents Unite in the Face of Flooding After Hurricane Helene
On a rainy Sunday morning in Cayce, life took an unexpected turn for residents living in the Riverland Park neighborhood. As William Marshall, a longtime chef at the local favorite eatery, The Kingsman, awoke to check the Congaree River’s rising waters, he realized it was time to spring into action.
A Familiar Threat
The Congaree River, which gracefully meanders through the area, was on the rise, thanks to the rain and runoff coming down from the Upstate and western North Carolina, following the recent Hurricane Helene. “I realized how far the water had come just overnight,” said Marshall, who has spent over two decades working at The Kingsman and has his roots deep in Riverland Park. Having spent 16 years of his youth in this low-lying area, he knows all too well the neighborhood is susceptible to flooding.
Getting Ready to Paddle
Knowing the river’s tendencies, Marshall quickly went to work. “I dusted off my kayak, got my canoe out, and placed it in the front yard,” he said. Early predictions turned out to be correct as the river crested at approximately 30.5 feet on Monday, marking a level that brought back memories of the devastating flooding the region experienced back in 2015.
Community Rescue Efforts
By Tuesday evening, the city reported that fewer than 12 homes had flooded and thankfully, no injuries were reported. Yet, it was an event that tested the community’s spirit. Marshall found himself busy helping others—conducting home checks, assisting families in need, and even delivering food and supplies to those who were stuck. “I drove out from my home on higher ground and paddled out to those who needed help,” he explained.
A Neighborly Gesture
In one humorous yet heartfelt encounter, a neighbor reached out for a simple request—a beer. “His meemaw has been down there since the 70s, and he stays with her,” Marshall recalled. The neighbor made a post saying, ‘This water’s getting to me, I need a beer, damn it.’ Marshall replied, “What kind of beer? I’m on it!” For him, it wasn’t just about delivering beverages; it was about taking initiative in looking out for his community. “Regardless of beer, diapers, or whatever it was, I was just going to put my foot forward and help,” he said with a smile.
Floodwaters Begin to Recede
Fortunately, by late Tuesday afternoon, the Congaree River began to recede, dropping below flood stage. However, the clean-up process has only just begun. The city has noted some extensive damage at the nearby Thomas Newman boat landing and considerable debris along the riverwalks in both Cayce and West Columbia.
Assessing the Damage
As the city manager, Jim Crosland, stated, “Usually, it’s only certain portions that flood. This time we’re looking at at least a week and a half, maybe two weeks, to get everything cleared out.” What’s more, the city is concerned about properties that had water in their crawl spaces, needing to ensure there’s no risk of mold.
Community Resilience Continues
West Columbia seems to have avoided significant residential impacts, but they are also facing a challenging restoration process for their riverwalk. One cultural casualty has been the postponement of the popular Rhythm on the River concert series, which will now run back-to-back concerts to make up for lost time.
A Spirit of Unity
Despite the challenges, Cayce hasn’t lost its spirit. The city is keeping morale high with its annual Fall Fest at Granby Gardens Park, which will now also include a canned goods donation to assist those in need. Mayor Elise Partin remarked, “It’s important to come together as a community.”
In the end, as Marshall put it, “There’s a lot of people that came by to use my kayak to check on their homes. It’s just a real strong bond.” The residents of Riverland Park have shown that through the storm, their unity and support for one another will always be their strongest asset.
