Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015
S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley issues an executive order declaring a state of emergency in advance, after Hurricane Joaquin. S.C. residents are urged to monitor storm’s progress, be alert for emergency announcements and review emergency procedures and precautions. The storm claims its first victim, a woman in Spartanburg.
Friday, Oct. 2
State Emergency Operations Center will be open 24 hours for the duration of the storm. National Weather Service predicts record rainfall, resulting in flash flooding, throughout the state.
Saturday, Oct. 3
There are 34 advisors in effect across South Carolina, including flood warning in 14 counties and flash flood warnings in seven. S.C. National Guard, Department of Corrections and Transportation Department are working to deliver sandbags to districts across the state. By late afternoon, officials have warned people, especially children, against wading or playing in floodwaters. South Carolina’s operating condition has been raised to the highest level. The State Emergency Operations Center is fully functioning at all hours. President Barack Obama declares a state of emergency in South Carolina.
Sunday, Oct.4
DHEC has been made aware of several overflowed and failed dams across the state. City of Columbia water system customers are under a boil water advisory. Five deaths have been reported. Nineteen counties' school districts are closed or delayed on Monday. Residents of flood-threatened areas are being warned against driving or traveling on foot through floodwaters. Many Midlands residents are still advised to boil their water before drinking or cooking with it.
USC cancels athletics for the day and Monday classes.
Columbia sees a new record for rainfall in one day at 6.78 inches and a new two-day record at 10.44 inches since Oct. 3.
Monday, Oct. 5
Gov. Nikki Haley confirms nine flood- and weather-related deaths in South Carolina as of Monday afternoon. The total rose to 10 by the end of the day. USC alumna Alex Holmes, 24, is among the fatalities.
Multiple news sources are reporting more than two feet of rain in parts of South Carolina since the storm began. South Carolina National Guard has over 1,300 soldiers helping in rescue operations. A 70-mile stretch of Interstate 95 is still closed. About 550 roads are closed in South Carolina, and Haley expects more. USC cancels Tuesday classes.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
While the rain has stopped, the death toll in South Carolina stands at 15, nine from drowning and six from car accidents. Nine dams across the state have failed, with another nine under watch by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
USC cancels classes for the week.
Wednesday, Oct. 7
At least 17 people have died in South Carolina from drowning and car accidents.
USC moves Saturday's football game, scheduled to be played in Williams-Brice Stadium, to LSU.
Thursday, Oct. 15
The South Carolina Transportation Department reports 178 roads and 73 bridges still closed statewide. Residents in 20 counties are eligible for federal assistance.
November, 2015
The Federal Emergency Management Agency extends disaster declarations to 24 South Carolina counties. Residents of these counties are eligible to apply for individual federal assistance. Applications are open until January, 2016.
Many Midlands residents are still living out of hotels or with family nearby, while still others are in homeless shelters.
December, 2015
USC's Darla Moore School of Business presents the economic outlook for 2016. Researcher Joseph Von Nessen predicts that, despite the flood causing $1.5 billion in damages, the state will experience a temporary economy boost during flood recovery.
January, 2016
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies close their disaster recovery centers around South Carolina in favor of local organizations providing aid. Three remaining centers close on Jan. 29.
Over 600 USC students work to help clean up around Gills Creek and Fort Jackson Boulevard. The Gills Creek area suffered some of the worst Midlands flooding during Hurricane Joaquin.
February, 2016
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announces that South Carolina will receive $157 million — to be divided between Richland and Lexington counties, the City of Columbia and the state — toward flood recovery.
March, 2016
The One SC Fund, a flood relief funding group, opens the third round of applications for projects seeking to help flood recovery efforts. Organizations across the country can apply for grants to offer assistance to FEMA-declared disaster areas in South Carolina.
June, 2016
Richland County Council approves a plan for the county to buy out residents' houses that were destroyed in the flood. The plan involves applying for $7 million of federal money, which would allow the county to buy about 70 homes in areas still at higher risk for flooding.
The Transportation Department has repaired 94 percent of roads and bridges damaged during the flood.
August, 2016
All 46 South Carolina counties are in a drought.
USC students collect truckloads of supplies to send to Louisiana flood victims.