Hurricane Helene Causes Devastation in Forest Acres, Residents Face Tough Recovery

Hurricane Helene Leaves Forest Acres Residents Reeling

Forest Acres, S.C. has seen its fair share of storms, but nothing quite like the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As the community picks up the pieces, residents are coming together to share their experiences, while facing the daunting task of recovery.

A Devastating Blow

For Michael Moore, who has lived in Forest Acres for over a decade, the storm hit home, quite literally. His house suffered significant damage, leaving him and his family in shock. “After a minute I realized that I am pinned under, and I’ve got to get out,” Michael recounted, recalling the harrowing moment when a century-old oak tree crashed through his home. “I had to push debris off of me and find a way out.”

Two weeks have passed since that terrifying day, and Michael’s home is barely standing. “It’s in real bad shape. No roof, no exterior wall. I think the upstairs is devastated,” he said with a heavy heart. He’s waiting for a tree removal service to take care of the oak that caused all the damage. “I’m hoping it’s not a total loss; we love the house, we love the area.” Yet, he knows the harsh reality: if the damage is too severe, they might have to start over, either on the same lot or elsewhere in the community.

Community Support and Struggles

On the city level, the Forest Acres City Council is working tirelessly to restore order out of chaos. Lynnsey Baker, the city’s Director of Communication, shared some sobering numbers. “North of 200 trees fell here, in Forest Acres. We know more than 30 of them blocked roadways and had to be cut up during the height of the storm.” She emphasized the long road ahead for recovery, stating, “It’s just going to take so much time to get to all the different streets and collect this debris.”

FEMA and Assistance Challenges

The recovery process isn’t just about clearing debris; it also involves navigating the world of disaster relief. Recently, two more counties in South Carolina have been approved for FEMA relief following Helene’s destruction, including Richland County, which might offer hope. However, for Michael, the process has been anything but easy. He applied for assistance as soon as he could but was met with disappointment: “I was denied. I clicked on the status and it said denied.”

This news left him bewildered. “How can you deny it? I don’t know what they would offer, but how can they say no?” Left with confusion and frustration, Michael plans to reach out directly to FEMA for clarification. “I need to get the phone number from the tree company and I will call FEMA directly. It feels like I’m fighting an uphill battle.”

A Call to Action

Forest Acres officials have made it clear that those impacted by the storm need to take action to be eligible for aid. Residents are urged to call the city to have an assessment done on their property. As the community rallies together, it’s touching to see how neighbors are helping each other navigate this difficult time.

Despite the challenges and uncertainty that lie ahead, Forest Acres is showing remarkable resilience. Whether it’s Michael Moore or other residents facing similar struggles, the spirit of hope shines through. As everyone starts rebuilding, the will to endure and overcome is palpable. The road to recovery will be long, but with effort and support from one another, this cherished community will eventually rise again.