Bamberg gives update after Federal Emergency Management Agency visit
BAMBERG, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Two weeks after the Federal Emergency Management Agency paid a visit to Bamberg due to a tornado’s destruction, Bamberg is getting an update.
According to the city of Bamberg, the city did not meet the FEMA threshold.
They say they are now searching for other options.
FEMA representatives were there Jan. 24 to view the damage caused by the Jan. 9 tornado.
The twister rated a 2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale that measures tornadoes, and it caused the collapse of a historic downtown building – something that was captured in a dramatic video.
The FEMA visit came just days after city and county leaders declared a disaster.
Crews still have a ways to go before the town is cleaned up.
FEMA is still working to assess damage, but one neighbor says the recovery efforts give her a new hope
“I love where I’m at. Bamberg County is the place to be,” Ellen Inabinet said.
But it’s a place that’s badly damaged.
“Prayer has been the key answer to this thing here, what we’re going through,” she said. “I’m just grateful to be here to tell the story.”
EARLIER COVERAGE:
- Downtown Bamberg starts cleaning up bricks tossed by tornado
- Tracing twister’s path of damage, terror in Bamberg
- ‘Just heartbreaking’: Bamberg mayor, others lament losses in storm
- Storm lays waste to Bamberg, downs trees, cuts power across region
- Drone offers a bird’s-eye view of twister’s path in Bamberg
The storm caused a tree to fall on her house, barely missing her.
We first spoke to her soon after the storm, but she still had a positive attitude Wednesday.
“Things are really starting to come aboard at this time,” she said. “A little better for me. And hopefully for my county. Most important is for them.”
Brick by brick, Bamberg is slowly rebuilding.
Only time will tell how money can help rebuild all of ity.
And federal funding could play a role in that.
“Yes, we are going to get some help,” Inabinet said. “Somebody cares. That shows me that FEMA and the County of Bamberg cares that we’re going to receive some assistance. It’s much-needed.”
For her, it’ll take nearly $8,200 to get back to normal
“It’s an expense, but hopefully I’ll get assistance to assist me with the rest,” she said.
She still has a ways to go, but it’s no problem for her.
“I’m grateful to be here and I thank God for everything,” she said.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- 20 to 30: Businesses damaged by the storm, with 10 destroyed.
- 20: Homes that were affected, with one destroyed.
- 803-245-3013: Call this number to report damage.
- 2: Rating of the tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
- 125: Maximum wind speed of the tornado in mph.
- 80: Number of trees knocked over.
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