President Obama Signs Disaster Declaration To Provide Aid To South Carolina

According to CBS Morning News, the disastrous flooding in South Carolina has caused up to thirteen deaths. 

President Obama signed a disaster declaration for the state, which will provide federal aid for recovery efforts; helping regions from Charleston to Dorchester, Lexington, Georgetown, Williamsburg and other counties.

According to authorities, up to 40,000 residents were without water and less than 3,500 remained without power.

After the storm struck South Carolina last Thursday, Governor Nikki Haley called it a "thousand-year rainfall" event.

The Mayor of Columbia, SC – Steve Benjamin tweeted, "Now that President Obama has signed disaster declaration we've begun recovery. We can assess storm damage & get folks access to the support." – Steve Benjamin ‏@SteveBenjaminS

Over the weekend, Red Cross workers opened 35 shelters in North and South Carolina – 30 in South Carolina alone – where more than 200 people spent Sunday night. The Red Cross has mobilized nearly 400 Red Cross workers, 22 emergency response vehicles and shelter supplies to support 5,000 people in South Carolina. Additional rain and flooding are expected over the next few days, and the Red Cross has more supplies and disaster workers standing ready if needed.