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Cresting Rivers Threaten More Flooding in S. Carolina

CBN

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The rain has subsided, but South Carolina residents are not out of the woods yet. Just as people begin to clean up, cresting rivers and streams threaten to cause more flood damage.

"The next 36 to 48 hours are going to be a time that we need to continue to be careful," Gov. Nikki Haley warned residents.

Days of heavy rain, overflowing rivers, and breached levees caused an estimated 11 trillion gallons of water to flood neighborhoods and businesses throughout the region. At least 17 people have died and more than 40,000 people are still without water.

Resident Joanna Fleming explained her family's hardship, saying, "I have three children at home; we don't have anything to even flush toilets or take showers."

CBN's Operation Blessing has deployed to South Carolina to help the victims of the massive flooding. Deputy Director Raymond McGregor, with the advance team in Columbia, South Carolina, spoke about the situation via Skype.

Five hundred roads and bridges are damaged or impassable. Businesses like Moonlight Distillery in Lexington were ruined.

Many residents face a long road ahead. They say their homes can be rebuilt, but some admit special family treasures and mementos will never be replaced.

Columbia resident Logan Grillot lost everything and is now in need of temporary housing.

"I've lost my vehicle; everything inside the house is damaged. It's really surreal to think about. In one fell swoop water can take away everything you own, or thought was important to you," she said.

Others are just glad they survived. Ray Stillwell said water rushed into his house and within 30 seconds it quickly rose from below his knees to waist high.

"I am so grateful. If you hear me complain remind me that I'm lucky to be here," Stillwell said. "God allowed me to be here now. I got to figure out what to do with the extra time I've been given."

And God's people are responding at this time. Many residents are thankful that Operation Blessing is now on the ground in South Carolina bringing much needed help.

Raymond McGregor, the aid group's deputy director, spoke with CBN News about the efforts.

"The state emergency operations center has asked us to set up a mobile feeding alongside of their water distribution beginning tomorrow," he said. "We're going to continue to send out volunteers to the affected areas as we pray with residents, as we talk to them, and as we do the work."

Local volunteers including Mark Perez have joined the relief effort.

"There's a lot of people who do try to help out in the community, but this is something really big and it's something that's life-impacting forever, really," he said.

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