WHEREAS, Tropical Storm Kyle struck the eastern portion of South Carolina on October 11, 2002, resulting in tornadoes and significant flooding in many areas of the state; and

WHEREAS, the resulting tornadoes and flooding caused significant property loss and damage in many areas of Clarendon, Georgetown, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Florence, Horry, Marion, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg Counties; and

WHEREAS, in the aftermath of the storm there remains in the affected areas a continuing and urgent need to provide clean-up, relief, and recovery assistance to victims; and

WHEREAS, the United States Small Business Administration has declared Clarendon, Georgetown, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Florence, Horry, Marion, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg Counties a disaster area and has established a disaster assistance program for those who incurred damages from Tropical Storm Kyle.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of South Carolina, I hereby order and declare that a State of Emergency exists in the Counties of Clarendon, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Florence, Horry, Marion, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg. I further direct that state agencies, boards and commissions respond within their capabilities to assist in the recovery from the disaster in these designated counties.

The provisions of this Executive Order shall remain in full force and effect until further order of this office.