(Richland PIO) – Hurricane-related damage assessment is underway throughout Richland County’s 11 districts. The County’s Emergency Management Division (RCEMD) has been covering considerable ground since early Thursday morning to evaluate storm loss in the aftermath of Helene.

The damage assessment phase is expected to take several days and will help determine whether the County is eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration.

At the height of the storm, more than 190,000 homes were without power in Richland County, and since last Thursday, Sept. 26, the County has responded to more than 2,700 storm-related service requests received by the Ombudsman’s Office. Additionally, Richland County’s Department of Public Works has worked to clear multiple trees from 44 County-maintained roads and is continuing debris removal from area roadsides.

Richland County residents and employees who live in the County are reminded to report hurricane-related damage and share photos by calling 803-576-3439 or emailing information and pictures to ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov.

In order to qualify for federal disaster relief, the County must identify between 25 and 50 homes that were deemed destroyed because of the storm. Photos from today’s assessment can be viewed here.

As a reminder, because of the lasting impacts of Helene, the District 2 and 7 Transportation Penny Town Hall that was previously scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Doko Manor in Blythewood has been rescheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m.