Marlboro County declares state of emergency as Hurricane Debby approaches

Marlboro County Council on Aug. 5, 2024 unanimously approved Declaration #08-05-24, declaring a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Debby and directing immediate preparations to protect residents and infrastructure.

Emergency Management Director Calvin Cassidy told the council the biggest threat from Debby would be heavy rainfall beginning Tuesday and continuing through Friday, “coming through in heavy bands,” with the potential for tornadoes, flooding, saturated ground, falling trees and washout roads. Cassidy urged residents not to drive through flooded roads and said shelters had been set up and that sandbags would be available for citizens to pick up.

County Administrator Wilson A. Clyburn told the council he and Cassidy would work closely over the next three to four days and would make evacuation decisions as needed. Clyburn said county offices would close at 12 noon on Tuesday and would likely remain closed through Thursday except for emergency personnel. He also said the county would obtain necessary supplies and expected reimbursement by FEMA for eligible expenses.

City Administrator William Simon described city preparations in the Shady Rest area and said state Department of Transportation crews were clearing ditches. Simon said the city would keep residents informed via a text alert at 91896 and that utilities would not be shut off except in emergency situations; he added the city was drawing drinking water from wells and that the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was on site and providing regular updates.

Representative Pat Henegan, who attended the meeting, said she had visited affected areas and thanked responders. “I am available anytime day or night,” she said, and said she hoped to secure funding for necessary repairs. Senator Gerald Malloy told the council he planned to visit Lake Paul Wallace and said intergovernmental teams were working together; Malloy said a $12 million grant application related to the lake had been denied and that federal funding avenues would be pursued.

Sheriff Larry McNeil confirmed the distribution of sandbags and called for attention to the county’s Humane Society Shelter. Council member Pearly Lawson asked where sandbags would be located; Cassidy said the county was not pre-deploying them but that they would be available for pickup by residents.

Dr. Damien Johnson moved to approve the declaration and Mr. Steve Blackmon seconded. The council voted in favor; the motion carried unanimously. The declaration instructs county departments to prioritize emergency operations and coordinates with local partners, including the Marlboro County School District, which Clyburn said would assist with evacuations if required.

The council closed by urging residents to follow evacuation orders if issued, to avoid flooded roadways and to check official county and city channels for continuing updates. The meeting adjourned after the motion to adjourn passed unanimously.