COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster on Friday requested a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist state and local recovery efforts after severe flooding impacted the Midlands and Lowcountry earlier this November.
The storms, which occurred from November 6 to November 14, caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, with public agency costs projected to exceed $11 million.
If approved, the disaster declaration would provide federal assistance through the FEMA Individual Assistance Program for residents in Bamberg and Orangeburg counties, offering financial aid for uninsured property damages.
The FEMA Public Assistance Program, included in the request, would reimburse state and local governments in Bamberg, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties for infrastructure repairs and recovery expenses.
Additionally, Gov. McMaster has requested FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program grants to fund projects aimed at reducing the impact of future disasters.
The governor’s request follows extensive damage assessments conducted by FEMA and state emergency management teams, which identified over 100 damaged homes and significant infrastructure impacts across the region. The federal aid would cover 75% of recovery costs, with the remainder to be determined later.
Residents affected by the flooding are encouraged to monitor updates on the disaster declaration process and available assistance programs.