Palmetto State News

Governor Henry McMaster has officially requested a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to support recovery efforts in South Carolina following severe storms and flooding that occurred from November 6 to November 14, 2024. The declaration aims to assist state and local recovery initiatives after the flooding caused significant damage in parts of the Midlands and Lowcountry.

The request comes after damage assessments conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) alongside state and local emergency management teams. These assessments revealed that over 100 homes were damaged, with public agency costs related to infrastructure damage projected to surpass $11 million.

If approved, the President's Disaster Declaration would enable access to FEMA's Individual Assistance Program for residents in Bamberg and Orangeburg Counties. This program offers direct financial assistance to those who suffered uninsured property damages due to the storm. It may also provide aid for other needs on a case-by-case basis.

Furthermore, the request includes all categories of FEMA's Public Assistance Program for Bamberg, Calhoun, and Orangeburg Counties. This program reimburses state and local governments for extraordinary costs incurred during major disaster recovery efforts. FEMA covers 75 percent of these costs, while the division of the remaining 25 percent will be decided later.

Governor McMaster has also included a request for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program grants aimed at reducing the impact of future disasters.