Columbia Officials Assure Residents of Support and Recovery Amid Tropical Storm Helene Aftermath

Columbia Residents Reassured Amid Challenges of Tropical Storm Helene

Columbia, S.C. – After the disruption and chaos caused by Tropical Storm Helene, city officials have stepped forward to assure residents that support is on the way. It has been a few days since the storm wreaked havoc across the state from Thursday into Friday, and as recovery efforts continue, city leaders are keen to clarify that they are all in this together.

Understanding the Damage

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann addressed the community on Monday morning, highlighting the storm’s staggering impact. “This is the third largest destructive hurricane that’s hit the southeast in the last 50 years,” he remarked, reflecting on the severity of the situation. He further noted that the devastation, including extensive power outages and downed trees, hasn’t been seen since the infamous Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

The city of Columbia is reaching out for assistance as the recovery effort ramps up. Mayor Rickenmann has been in contact with U.S. Sen Tim Scott and former Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, who is now part of the Biden Administration, in hopes to secure the necessary resources to aid in the recovery process.

Power Restoration Plans

Keller Kissam, President of Dominion Energy South Carolina, provided an update on power restoration efforts, sharing optimism that Monday would show significant progress. He explained that the transmission lines have suffered severe damage. “The devastation can be likened to what we observed in the interior of the state back during Hugo,” he stated.

Kissam elaborated that work begins with fixing the major transmission lines before moving on to individual neighborhoods. “We can’t rush into a neighborhood when the main power supply is still down,” said Kissam. “The crews are currently focusing their efforts on main feeders before heading out to fix local outages.”

He set a target for restoration, estimating that power would be back for the greater Columbia area by Thursday. However, Kissam warned that in some cases, homeowners might have private access issues that could prolong the restoration timeline if they need to call in an electrician for repairs.

Water Service Rumors Addressed

As news spreads regarding the condition of city services, Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy felt it crucial to dispel baseless rumors surrounding the water service. “We’ve heard claims that the water service is threatened or about to be cut off, and I want to reassure everyone – that couldn’t be further from the truth,” he stated firmly. While river levels are rising, similar to the circumstances during the 2015 floods, Shealy emphasized, “This event is very different than what we faced in 2015, and we are prepared.”

In fact, he confidently reported that the city’s canal supply remains stable and functional. “We anticipate no changes to that,” he assured residents, allowing them to breathe a little easier.

Environmental Safety Measures in Place

As for the treatment of wastewater at the city’s facilities, Shealy reiterated that teams are actively working to prevent any environmental hazards while ensuring proper treatment processes are followed. “We’re focused on minimizing any potential harm,” he explained. “Our main goal is to prevent sewer spills in public areas, and so far, we are achieving that.”

If residents have non-emergency concerns regarding water, they are encouraged to reach out to the City of Columbia by calling 803.545.3300.

Bridges Remain Open

Both Shealy and officials from Cayce confirmed that the Blossom Street and Gervais Street bridges will remain open, despite concerns of high water levels. A sigh of relief is felt in the community as measures are being taken to ensure safety and accessibility.

In conclusion, as Columbia works through the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, leaders are dedicated to keeping the lines of communication open, addressing concerns, and assuring residents that they are committed to recovery and stability in the wake of nature’s challenges.