South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will mark the 10-year anniversary of the historic “thousand-year” flood of October 2015 through a special initiative combining community storytelling, broadcast programming and in-depth reporting.
“Voices Collected,” will help preserve the voices and memories of those connected to the flood. This community storytelling project launched earlier in 2025 to collect stories of those impacted by the tragedy at Mother Emanuel church in Charleston and will expand to document the stories of those impacted by the flood. The initiative invites South Carolinians and others across the country to share personal reflections through audio, video or image submissions. These collected stories will be curated for use in broadcasts, podcasts, social media and educational materials. Submissions may be shared online through the SCETV website.
As part of the initiative, SCETV will premiere Weathering the Flood: South Carolina 10 Years Later on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. on ETV. This 30-minute broadcast special revisits the catastrophic event, reflecting on its widespread impact, the recovery efforts that followed and the lessons learned. With rare archival footage, expert analysis from SCETV Chief Meteorologist Tim Miller and Senior Meteorologist Megan Borowski, and first-hand accounts from survivors, the program explores how the storm reshaped South Carolina.
The initiative also features companion reporting through This Week in South Carolina and the South Carolina Lede podcast. Both will provide additional context, examining how the disaster changed emergency operations, infrastructure planning and resilience efforts across the state.
In October 2015, relentless rainfall, fueled in part by Hurricane Joaquin, triggered record flooding that devastated communities across South Carolina. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, critical infrastructure was compromised, and lives were lost. Stories of courage and unity— from neighbors rescuing each other to emergency crews building temporary dams by air— remain lasting reminders of how South Carolinians came together during one of the state’s most destructive natural disasters.
SCETV’s weather-related reporting and emergency response communications efforts extend across the state. SCETV closely monitors evolving weather conditions, ensuring timely updates during weather events through statewide, multiplatform coverage. Leveraging the South Carolina Emergency Information Network (SCEIN), a partnership with WUFT in Gainesville, FL, SCETV regularly delivers critical updates across its broadcast television and radio networks, on social media and online. Additionally, in collaboration with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) and the Governor’s Office, SCETV broadcasts and livestreams statewide press conferences and provides the latest information on state government office closings. For weather updates and preparedness resources, visit SCETV's dedicated weather page at SCETV.org/weather.
To learn more about how to submit a story to the “Voices Collected” initiative or to explore upcoming SCETV programming around the “thousand-year” flood, visit SCETV.org/1000yearflood.
QUOTES
“As we reflect on the 'thousand-year' flood 10 years later, SCETV is committed to ensuring the voices and experiences from that time are not forgotten. Through this initiative, we are not only documenting history, but also delivering trusted, impactful and locally relevant content to the people of the Palmetto State in ways that foster remembrance, dialogue and resilience.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“This project is a reminder that the stories of those who lived through the 2015 flood continue to matter today. By pairing archival footage and expert analysis with first-hand accounts, we’re helping South Carolinians reflect, heal and better understand the lessons learned. With “Voices Collected,” we’re inviting the public to contribute to this shared history so that it can be preserved for generations to come.” –SCETV Assistant General Manager/Deputy Director Dr. Stephanie Cook
FAST FACTS
- SCETV is commemorating the 2015 “thousand-year” flood through a special initiative combining community storytelling, broadcast programming and in-depth reporting.
- SCETV’s “Voices Collected” invites the public to visit the SCETV website to submit stories, photos, videos and audio reflecting on the flood, which will be curated for broadcast, podcasts, social media and educational use.
- Weathering the Flood: South Carolina 10 Years Later premieres Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. on ETV, revisiting the disaster’s effects and lessons learned.
- Companion reporting will air on This Week in South Carolina and the South Carolina Lede podcast.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
