FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To:      News Media 

From: Bamberg County Administration

Date:  January 11, 2024

Re:     Senator Brad Hutto on the Ground in Bamberg to Assess Tuesday's Category EF-2 Tornado  

Bamberg, South Carolina (January 2024) – On Wednesday, January 10, Senator Brad Hutto of District 40 visited Bamberg to assess damage to the area from Tuesday’s Category EF2 tornado and to brief county and city officials on how the state can best assist with the clean-up effort. After touring the damaged sites, Senator Hutto met with Bamberg officials to discuss post-storm clean-up and rebuilding efforts. 

Senator Hutto acknowledged the current “terrible situation” but also said the Bamberg community is “lucky to have experienced no injuries or fatalities.” Furthermore, Hutto emphasized the importance of staying away from the affected areas until officials give the all-clear. He also assured his willingness to advocate for state financial assistance on behalf of Bamberg and asked that local officials notify him of specific public buildings that suffered damage from the tornado. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has been on the ground since Tuesday, and the Senator said he will be happy to connect Bamberg leaders with other state agencies as needed.

“We are here to help Bamberg rebuild stronger than ever,” said Hutto. 

Assessing the storm damage, seeking federal assistance, and rebuilding will be an ongoing process, and updates will be posted on Bamberg County’s social media and website. Additionally, local and state officials continue to caution Bamberg citizens to respect the street barriers in place and to stay away from the damaged areas. Eight SCDOT crews are on the ground in addition to SCEMD representatives and are working as expeditiously as possible to restore a sense of normalcy to the entire Bamberg community.

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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.