South Carolina is facing monumental flooding with rainfall that is only expected to occur every 1,000 years, Governor Nikki Haley said, according to Reuters. The rainfall has left eight dead, as well as many Carolinians in need of rescue. The Congaree River, which borders South Carolina, is at its highest level since 1936. President Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency in North Carolina making state funds available, according to Inforum.
"If you are in your house, stay in your house," Haley told state residents while holding a news conference. "This is not something to be out taking pictures of." Areas that usually do not receive this much rainfall have been severely impacted. The rain covered more than 24 inches in Mount Pleasant, nearly 20 inches in areas around Charleston and more than 18 inches in the Gills Creek area of Columbia, meteorologist Taylor Ward said, according to CNN. This has been labelled a dangerous situation and flash flood warnings have been put in effect.
The state climatologist forecast another two to six inches of rain. "We have every ambulance in the county out responding to calls. People are being moved from their homes in boats," Georgetown County spokeswoman Jackie Broach said. Curfews have been set in eight cities or counties including Columbia. State universities and schools cancelled classes for Monday, Oct 5.
