BAMBERG — From its opening on March 27 through its closing on April 12, the Bamberg Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) served a total of 95 Bamberg County residents who were negatively impacted by January’s EF-2 tornado. Specifically, 39 home applications and 10 business applications have been submitted with 45 survivors seeking only information from the DLOC.

A tornado rushed through downtown Bamberg on Jan. 9, destroying and damaging several buildings. The cleanup continues.

Last month, the Small Business Administration (SBA) approved SC Governor Henry McMaster’s request for disaster relief for Bamberg County. As a result, residents and business owners who incurred property damage from the tornado are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans. For over a two-week period, Bamberg citizens received in-person professional advice and application assistance from Small Business Administration (SBA) and South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) representatives at the DLOC, which was located in the Bamberg County Courthouse Annex.

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While the DLOC is no longer open, Bamberg County residents with any questions regarding the SBA loan application process should not hesitate or delay in calling or emailing SBA professionals.

S.C. Department of Transportation crews reopened U.S. Highway 301 to traffic through Bamberg on Wednesday.

According to SCEMD Individual Assistance Officer Jessica Haygood, applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

BAMBERG – Nearly 100 individuals have applied for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration following the Jan. 9 tornado that passed through downtown Bamberg.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 21, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 23, 2024.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Tuesday that South Carolina’s businesses and residents affected by the Jan. 9 tornadoes are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans.

Bamberg County Emergency Services Director Tiffany Kemmerlin is pleased with the turnout. “We want to express our sincere appreciation to the SBA and the SCEMD for their invaluable support during the recovery efforts following the destructive tornado that hit our community. The SBA provided essential financial aid to businesses and homeowners affected by the disaster, aiding in their rebuilding and recovery process.

T&D COVERAGE: Tornado hits Bamberg, Jan. 9, 2024

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF2 tornado hit the Town of Bamberg on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2024, with winds as high as 125 mph. The storm was estimated to be 300 to 400 yards wide. In addition to destroying buildings downtown, the storm also knocked down 80 trees, with 13 roads closed by the storm.

Keep Bamberg County Beautiful (KBCB) and Bamberg County Public Information Officer Alisha Moore coordinated a successful community clean-up last Friday.

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Bamberg County Council unanimously voted Monday to declare an emergency following a tornado that caused large amounts of damage in downtown Bamberg.

BAMBERG – Cleanup is underway in the City of Bamberg in the wake of the Jan. 9 tornado that destroyed several downtown businesses and homes.

Bamberg Mayor Nancy Foster talks about the city’s emergency declaration

South Carolina Oak to Barrel CEO and owner Eddie Hill said he hopes the company can rebuild and remain in Bamberg following the tornado that d…

Approximately 20-30 Bamberg businesses were damaged by the storm, with 10 being completely destroyed, according to the S.C. Emergency Management Division.

Furthermore, about 20 homes were affected, with one being destroyed.

BAMBERG – Mount Pleasant resident Harry Talmage surveyed about ten different cities and towns to find out where he wanted to open up his business.

BAMBERG – The City of Bamberg will seek a disaster declaration and federal funding assistance to help it recover from Tuesday’s strong tornado that destroyed three downtown buildings and an oak barrel manufacturer.

Downtown Bamberg business owner Harry Talmage talks about damage sustained to his building in EF2 tornado

The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF2 tornado hit the Town of Bamberg on Tuesday afternoon with winds as high as 125 mph.

Tuesday’s strong storms knocked down trees and cut off power across The T&D Region, but no injuries have been reported.

BAMBERG – Bricks blanketed Bamberg’s Main Highway on Tuesday afternoon. Mangled sheet metal was scattered across downtown, banging loudly against the highway in the wind.

A possible tornado hit the Town of Bamberg at U.S. Highway 301, causing damage downtown.

A possible tornado hit the Town of Bamberg at U.S. Highway 301 on Tuesday, causing damage downtown.

A possible tornado hit the Town of Bamberg at U.S. Highway 301, causing damage downtown.

Severe thunderstorms are rolling through Orangeburg County, with a severe thunderstorm warning in place for The T&D Region through 3 p.m.

A tornado watch has been issued for Orangeburg, Calhoun and Bamberg counties until 6 p.m. this afternoon.

Strong winds are forecast to hit The T&D Region this afternoon, with a line of thunderstorms bringing an increased risk of strong gusts and tornadoes.

“Their prompt response and dedication significantly alleviated the burden on those impacted by the storm. Their assistance has played a crucial role in our community’s recovery journey, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing partnership. As we continue to rebuild and heal from the tornado’s aftermath, we are thankful for the continued support of these organizations and eagerly anticipate working together towards creating a stronger, more resilient community.”

“Bamberg County has experienced a turbulent few months but remains steadfast in its commitment to rebuild our community stronger than it was before the tornado. This would not be possible without the SBA and SCEMD. We appreciate them coming directly to the good people of Bamberg and offering their assistance on site. We encourage anyone who did not get the chance to visit the DLOC to go to the SBA website or give them a call with any questions or concerns they may have regarding damage assistance,” said Bamberg County Council Chairman Evert Comer Jr.

“When disaster strikes, especially when it strikes a small, under-resourced, rural community like Bamberg, it indeed takes a village to rebuild and not just survive but begin to once again thrive. Because of dedicated public servants like our Emergency Services Director Tiffany Kemmerlin as well as those from the SBA and SCEMD who have had their boots on the ground here in Bamberg from day one, Bamberg County and its citizens are well on their way to thriving once more,” added Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston.

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