In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Carolinas unite
October 7, 2024
City of Columbia, SC, Provides Water Aid to Asheville, NC
In response to a water shortage request from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, the South Carolina Governor’s office quickly enlisted the City of Columbia to step in. Columbia responded without hesitation.
“In times of crisis, it’s critical that we come together, not just as cities or states, but as Carolinians. I’m proud of how quickly our teams have mobilized, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support the people of Asheville in their recovery efforts,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann.
Working with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department, Columbia Water, and Barnett Southern Trucking Company, the city has mobilized a relief effort, sending at least 40 tankers, each carrying 6,200 gallons of water, to the Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Asheville, NC. The Columbia Fire Department has been on-site throughout the process to oversee the safe transfer of water to the trucks.
“Our neighbors were there for us during the devastating 2015 flood event, so we are there for them now. Columbia is a partner who will always help our neighbors; it is who we are and who we will continue to be,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson.
With hurricane recovery efforts ongoing across the Southeast, the City of Columbia remains steadfast in its commitment to help those in need.
“It is an honor and privilege to help our friends in North Carolina during their time of need. In addition to life sustaining safe drinking water, we also offer our thoughts and prayers as they recover from this devastating storm,” said Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water Clint Shealy.
Asheville continues to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, and this partnership will extend until further notice.
“The City of Columbia is pleased to be able to render assistance to our neighbors in North Carolina during this time of need. We hope that the water they receive from our community will help them on their road to recovery,” said Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility Operations.
Please see a reel of the process here: https://youtube.com/shorts/r28UVQGSW9M?feature=share
Together, We Are Columbia!
