Enhancing Resiliency in Eastern SC

Co-PI Dr. Natasha Malmin has been leading preliminary work to identify the impact of recurrent disasters on critical infrastructure in frontline communities in an 11-county region within eastern South Carolina most affected by repeat flooding and hurricanes. 

Those counties are Berkeley, Charleston, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, & Williamsburg. 

Photo of Dr. Natasha Malmin and two students

Dr. Natasha Malmin and students

The project goals include:

  • understanding the role of existing policies in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events and shortening recovery timelines

  • developing policy toolkits that facilitate rapid assessment and assistance after disasters

The Carolinas CAP team has also been building partnerships with nonprofits operating throughout eastern SC, including: Williamsburg Health Extension Program; Williamsburg 4–H program; Waccamaw Economic Opportunity Council; CMD Food Bank; and the Cassandra C. Rush African American Museum.

This work aims to strengthen existing community-based programs, integrating disaster-related information into ongoing outreach efforts, with the potential to develop guidebooks to support Extension Programming.