SC in need of neighborly assistance

When North Carolina has suffered hurricane or tropical storm damage, neighbors in South Carolina have been quick to help. Regional rivals become brothers and sisters in arms at such times, and the N.C. National Guard has been among those public and private groups helping South Carolinians deal with flooding that is simply astounding. Rains and subsequent flooding have caused more than 500 bridges and roads to be closed.

Power outages and floods have hit the state from Columbia to Charleston to Myrtle Beach. Some in those communities, in addition to dealing with the trauma of floods, have been cut off from friends and relatives, only increasing their worry.

The chief meteorologist for AccuWeather said, “I have never seen rainfall this intense, in this large of an area and in this short of a period.” Indeed, Columbia and the Lowcountry got more than 24 inches of rain, and public and private institutions have been shut down for periods of time, with some still closed.

There are problems to come, as more trees fall and dams break and floodwaters move to the East.

North Carolinians inclined to help – South Carolina beaches have long been a regular destination for Tar Heels – should contact the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other charitable organizations. As South Carolina deals with the crisis, more charitable opportunities will also appear. South Carolinians would, and South Carolinians have, done the same for the residents of this state.

This story was originally published October 6, 2015 at 6:55 PM with the headline "SC in need of neighborly assistance."