Cayce Residents Urged to Evacuate as Congaree River Rises
The city of Cayce, South Carolina, is currently facing a significant challenge as officials are urging residents living near the Congaree River to take immediate action and evacuate their homes. With the remnants of Hurricane Helene pouring rain down, the river has risen to alarming levels, prompting concerns that it may crest at an unprecedented height in the coming days.
Rising Waters Prompt Urgency
As of 3:45 PM on Sunday, the Congaree River in Columbia had surpassed 28 feet and is projected to reach 31 feet by 2 PM on Monday. This is particularly concerning as the river hits its moderate flood stage at 24 feet and its major flood stage at 30 feet. Mayor Elise Partin shared a video message highlighting the situation, capturing the concern in her voice as she stood at the entrance of the Riverland Park neighborhood, which is now partially submerged.
“Flood waters are quickly rising,” Partin stated, urging residents to heed the warnings. “Our team is going door to door as we speak. Voluntary evacuations are the only way that we can keep you safe.” However, she noted that these flood waters might surpass the already devastating levels seen during the catastrophic floods of 2015.
Evacuations Underway
Local emergency personnel are actively working to inform residents about the risks. As they go door-to-door, they’re encouraging families to evacuate for their safety. One resident, Chris Gonzalez, expressed skepticism when an officer knocked at his door, asking if he was really going to be moved out. “I’m just letting you know it’s going to be dangerous later,” the officer replied.
For some families, the prospect of leaving is filled with heartache. Residents like Amanda Este and her family have experienced severe flooding before. Having lived through the horror of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they are hesitant to face similar consequences again. Water was already creeping three feet into their yard on Hudson Avenue, prompting tears from Amanda as she recalled the trauma of being trapped for days. “I don’t want to go through that again. I lost everything,” she lamented.
Challenges for Evacuation
Tiffany Este added to the emotional struggle, expressing the difficulty of evacuating with four pets, one being a pit bull. With limited options for accommodations, they feel trapped in a situation with no easy outs. “No one will take us in,” she stated, highlighting the complexities families face during natural disasters.
The Future of Congaree River Levels
The Congaree River has a history of flooding, notably cresting at 32 feet during the infamous “1,000-year flood” of 2015. Authorities are closely monitoring the water flow from Lake Murray, which plays a crucial role in determining the Congaree’s fate. Matthew Long, a spokesperson for Dominion Energy, revealed that they have opened one spill gate to manage the flow effectively, but the situation remains fluid. Whether additional spill gates will need to be opened in the days to come still hang in the balance.
Looking Ahead
The merging of the Broad and Saluda rivers contributes significantly to the river’s swelling. Many neighborhoods downstream can expect impacts as flood levels continue to rise. “The Broad is seeing higher flooding levels than 2015,” said Bill Stangler, the Congaree Riverkeeper, emphasizing the potential for further complications.
As residents face these challenging circumstances, their safety is the primary concern. The Mayor of Cayce has stated that while there are no immediate plans to close bridges in the area, they are monitoring the situation closely. Local officials are also working with churches and community centers to find safe places for those who need shelter.
As the river continues to rise, it’s a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability. With each passing hour, the situation is evolving, and residents are encouraged to stay informed and make the best decisions for their safety in these uncertain times.
This story is developing, and officials are working diligently to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken. Stay safe, Cayce!
