FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To: News Media
From: Bamberg County Administration
Date: August 14, 2024
Re: Bamberg County Council Provides Tropical Storm Debby Debrief
Bamberg, South Carolina (August 2024)—On August 12, 2024, during their regular monthly meeting, the Bamberg County Council provided a debrief on Tropical Storm Debby and its overall impact on the Bamberg community.
In a formal presentation, Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston chronicled Debby’s trajectory from August 2-August 7, 2024, and detailed the County’s response before, during, and after the storm. Preston also provided an update on the damage, specifically flood damage, which was a result of Debby’s torrential winds and rain.
On Friday, August 2, Tropical Storm Debby was projected to significantly affect Bamberg County with heavy rain and strong winds. As a result, the Bamberg County Emergency Management Division (EMD) began immediate storm preparation. The public was offered sandbags, and emergency equipment was staged. Additionally, shelter operations were established at Vorhees University. Throughout the weekend, the Bamberg EMD provided updates via social media and the County website and continued preparing for the storm’s impact. On Monday, August 5, Governor McMaster declared a state of emergency, shortly followed by a national declaration.
As Debby’s speed slowed on Tuesday, August 6, the wind subsided, but the rain continued, which resulted in widespread flooding. County offices closed at 1:00 p.m., and response efforts began. Major flooding continued along the Edisto River, and County officials initiated the damage assessment and recovery preparation on August 7.
Over the course of five days, Bamberg County was drenched by over 14 inches of rain and experienced river flooding only one foot shy of a historical high. Throughout the duration of the storm, Bamberg County officials provided resources, and Alisha Moore, the Bamberg County Public Information Officer, posted constant social media updates. The Code Red Alert to evacuate garnered nearly 41,000 plays. Three people and two dogs were rescued along Gar Road, and County leaders closed several roads in order to mitigate the hazardous conditions and keep Bamberg citizens safe.
The following roads remain closed at this time:
County Administrator Joey Preston thanked the Bamberg County Council, Code Enforcement, EMD, Sheriff’s Department, Dispatch, Fire Service (especially Hunters Chapel FD), and staff, as well as Voorhees University, Orangeburg EMD, SC EMD, the Bamberg City Police Department, and Statesville, NC (who provided barricades) for collaborating to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community and its citizens. “During times of crisis and natural disasters, it indeed takes a village to rescue, recover, and rebuild. Bamberg County is blessed to have a resilient team as well as good neighbors,” said Preston.
Updates on road conditions and available resources will continue to be posted on Bamberg County’s social media platforms and website.
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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.