Richland County, S.C.: The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
As the winds of Hurricane Helene fade into the past, the Midlands area in Richland County is grappling with the lingering effects. Days after the storm, local businesses are banding together and facing the many challenges that have arisen. While many are eager to return to normalcy, the situation has proven to be a bit more complex than simply restoring power.
Power Restoration Progress
Power restoration is underway, bringing a glimmer of hope to residents and business owners alike. Al Floyd, who owns the On Devine shopping center, highlighted that while the lights are gradually coming back on, the struggles for local eateries are far from over. “It’s a small inconvenience compared to what so many people had to go through,” Floyd observed, reflecting on the broader impact of the storm.
Among his tenants are beloved restaurants such as Eggs Up Grill, Arabesque Lebanese Cuisine, and Za’s on Devine. Although power has been restored at some locations, the aftermath has revealed a critical issue: spoiling food inventory. When power came back on, many businesses found that they had to dispose of their stock due to loss of refrigeration. “The moment they got power, they had to throw all the food away. Even with electricity, they had no food, so it’s just an inconvenience,” Floyd explained.
Food Safety Concerns
As anyone who has faced a power outage knows, food safety becomes a major concern. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, perishable food can only be safe for up to four hours without power, putting local restaurants, many of which rely on fresh ingredients, in a precarious position. Floyd shared that two of his restaurants are expecting food deliveries later today, with his Lebanese eatery Arabesque planning to reopen tomorrow. “Za’s will have their deliveries later on, and Arabesque will have theirs later today,” he remarked, painting a hopeful picture for those eager to support local businesses.
Impacted Businesses
The impacts of Hurricane Helene haven’t been isolated to one shopping center. Throughout the region, several businesses have faced power outages, prompting local Walmart stores to close their doors last Friday due to the loss of electricity. Upon reopening, customers encountered nearly empty grocery shelves, reflecting the urgency of restocking after a storm.
Community Resilience
In a recent gathering, Keller Kissam, president of Dominion Energy, provided an update on the power restoration efforts. “We finally broke through with over 100,000 outages, and we are currently at 95,000,” Kissam shared, signaling that the utility company is working diligently to restore power to essential community services, including those related to food and gasoline supplies.
As residents and business owners band together to rebuild and recover, a collective sense of resilience permeates throughout Richland County. People are not only looking to restore power and reopen their doors but are also eager to support one another in this challenging time. While the effects of Hurricane Helene may linger, community spirit and determination shine bright, reminding everyone that even in the aftermath of a storm, hope and recovery are on the horizon.
Looking Ahead
As power gets restored and supplies start to trickle back in, businesses are beginning to regain their footing. Local residents are encouraged to support their favorite local spots and lend a hand where they can. With new food shipments expected and a commitment to recovery, the community in Richland County is ready to bounce back, proving once again that it can weather any storm.
