some ice. >> reporter: the chemical spill affected 300,000 people and shut down much of the city and surrounding counties. area schools and restaurants are now closed. the cause of the spill is still unknown. martha: it doesn't feel like this will be solved today. what's being done to help these people? >> reporter: i just got off the phone with the emergency management spokesperson who said they authorized 35 truck loads of water to charleston, and they will be in charge of the distribution. a lot of help is on the way. the emergency declaration made by president obama is what cleared the way for peopla to move the water at -- cleared way for peopla to move the water.