Obama declares disaster in SC after Matthew

President Barack Obama on Tuesday declared a disaster in South Carolina, allowing federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the 13 counties hit hardest by Hurricane Matthew.

The declaration makes federal money available to reimburse local governments, state agencies, eligible private non-profits and electric co-operatives for some storm-related expenses, S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley’s office said in a news release.

S.C. residents are not eligible for federal disaster aid at this time, according to the release.

Haley requested the formal disaster declaration Monday for Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Marion and Williamsburg counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency could add additional counties to those eligible for federal assistance as the agency continues to assess damage caused by the hurricane.

The federal aid covers up to 75 percent of the cost for debris removal and emergency services related to the store.

The S.C. Emergency Management Division will host meetings at locations in the areas included in the disaster declaration to explain the process of requesting aid.

This story was originally published October 11, 2016 at 4:53 PM with the headline "Obama declares disaster in SC after Matthew."