WHITMIRE, S.C. — Cleanup efforts are still underway in Newberry County, where 61% of residents remain without power following the destruction from Hurricane Helene.
Whitmire, one of the hardest-hit towns, has been without electricity for five days, leaving residents struggling to meet basic needs.
“We are really lacking a lot of basic needs at this point, but we’re working together to get through it,” said Newberry County Council Chairman Todd Johnson.
Fallen trees and downed power lines have cut off much of Whitmire, keeping the town in darkness.
“People don’t have any power at all, very few people have generators, there's a need for water, no way to cook,” Johnson added.
In response, Johnson and members of Grace Baptist Church organized a food truck that served over 400 people on Main Street.
“We wanted to do something for the community, but all of the people that you see serving here are also without power,” Johnson explained.
Downtown Whitmire has become a unique scene, with families lining up for food, a local pharmacy continuing operations in the dark and charging stations across town so residents can contact loved ones.
These past few days have been difficult for residents like Marty Wilbanks, especially with the need to travel long distances for supplies.
“We went and got the non-perishables, and you have to drive at least 30 miles out of town one way, but one good thing is the Lord has sent cooler weather,” Wilbanks said.
Town and county leaders, including Whitmire Mayor Billy Hollingsworth, are unsure when power will be restored but are proud of the way the community has banded together.
“Essential things are being worked out by the people, and it's working great. I won't say we've had a marvelous time, but it’s been an experience that we will never forget and one we will learn from also,” Hollingsworth said. “Right now, we’ve got water and sewer, which is my main concern."
“The spirit of Newberry County, the spirit of Whitmire is alive and well, and we’re gonna take care of each other and get through this," Johnson added.
We reached out to Duke Energy for an update on when power could be restored in Whitmire. They tell us the vast majority of customers will have power restored by Friday evening at the latest, but most people will have power back on before then.
Grace Baptist Church, which organized the food truck, said they are in need of ice or a refrigerated truck to help store food and medication for those in the town.