Columbia, SC Still Isn't Prepared For Hurricane Flooding | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

Flooding In Columbia, SC Is A Very Dangerous Issue That Locals Are Still Underprepared For

Hurricane season has gotten out of hand for this capital city that is located basically in the middle of the state.

315
Flooding In Columbia, SC Is A Very Dangerous Issue That Locals Are Still Underprepared For

This is my fourth year at the University of South Carolina and fourth fall semester getting classes canceled due to flooding, more or less caused by a hurricane.


Email from President Pastides to students in regards to Hurricane Florence.Claudia Crowe

2015

My freshman year was the 1,000-year flood. Hurricane Joaquin never directly hit the United States, but another storm over the Southeastern states drew moisture from the hurricane resulting in catastrophic flooding in South Carolina.

My dorm lost power and water. Porter potties had to be brought in and placed outside all dorms, water had to be supplied to be able to bathe, drink, "cook" and brush teeth. Classes were canceled for more than a week. I had to stay at a member of my church's family's house with a group of other girls to have basic amenities, then eventually went home to York, SC for a few days.

2016

Hurricane Matthew was a category 5 hurricane which impacted Florida and Georgia but caused torrential rain showers in the Carolinas and Virginia. At least 600,000 individuals lost power in South Carolina. Campus was closed because of the flooding and my apartment lost power for a couple hours. Additionally, College of Charleston students took refuge on USC's campus.

2017

Hurricane Irma was another category 5 hurricane that caused bad flooding in Columbia, making campus close and classes to be canceled. Again, my apartment lost power for a little while.

And now in 2018, Hurricane Florence has a direct path hitting Columbia, SC.

The common theme of these hurricanes affecting Columbia, SC, is the amount of rainfall leading to dangerous flooding. The flooding then does the majority of damage causing power outages, car accidents with traffic lights being down, sewage pipes bursting and leaking into the water supply, and destroying homes. The lowest impact of flooding is getting trapped in your home with no way to get food and supplies.

Each of my college years, I have faced Columbia flooding and having to be prepared to evacuate. I've lost power countless times and gone without a fresh water supply (except for pre-packaged water bottles).

Flooding is a serious issue in Columbia and we are never prepared, at least enough. Classes are always canceled last minute. Traffic accumulates with everyone evacuating, from the coast as well, and from interstates being reversed. Columbia floods way too easy to not be prepared for hurricane season. Numerous times I've been on campus in downtown Columbia having to walk in ankle water from a casual afternoon thunderstorm.

Last minute class cancellation doesn't allow students to leave in a timely fashion before the hurricane hits, the flooding or storm begins, etc. since they are afraid they must still attend classes for the week. Out of state students are the ones who first begin to worry if they'll be able to make it home in time.

Many must make a long drive across multiple state lines or find flights, which can be hard with a hurricane approaching. Evacuating takes preparation as one cannot just leave. Furthermore, students, especially out of state, will be the safest away from Columbia since it is located in low lying ground and tends to flood fairly easily.

Flooding in Columbia, SC, is a serious issue and more precautions should be put in place to protect students attending USC. Campus closure should be considered at an appropriate time to allow students to travel safely home.

It floods here every year and the city is still underprepared.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

572
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15543
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3194
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments