Asheville, N.C. – A Community Rebounds After Helene
In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville has been a hub of activity as local leaders and federal authorities step up to assist the community. During a news briefing held on Friday, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis took to the podium to share insights on the support and response efforts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA’s Role in Recovery
“I’ve lived in North Carolina for almost 30 years, and I’ve seen a lot of storms come through this state,” Tillis remarked. He expressed his confidence in FEMA’s commitment to assist the affected regions, despite some residents feeling left in the dark. “I’m impressed with how much attention was paid to a region that wasn’t likely to experience the impact that they did,” he added. This sentiment echoed throughout the community, as residents grappled with the aftermath of the storm, which brought devastating winds and heavy rains to the area.
Getting Help to the Hard-Hit Areas
From Buncombe County to surrounding regions, accessing the hardest-hit areas has been a significant challenge due to road closures and prolonged power outages. High winds made it nearly impossible for aerial responders to reach some locations. However, progress has been made. “We’re feeling pretty good,” said Avril Pinder, the county manager of Buncombe County. “At the beginning, the first 72 hours it was hard to get any help in here. But they are here on the ground with us. I was told that we have over a thousand responders coming in from across this country, helping us.” Pinder’s statements reflect the collective sigh of relief felt in the community as more resources arrived.
Clearing Up Misconceptions
Despite FEMA’s robust presence, rumors have circulated online about the agency’s disaster assistance. Some claimed that FEMA would only provide $750 to survivors, while others suggested that FEMA lacked sufficient funds to aid recovery efforts. These claims prompted further clarification. FEMA has vehemently denied these assertions. “We’re grateful for the passage of the continuing resolution which gives me the ability to spend against the president’s budget for 2025,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. She continued, “We have the funding we need to support all of these states that have been impacted. But hurricane season isn’t over yet, and so we need to watch very closely what impacts other storms might have.”
Support and Relief Efforts Are Underway
Criswell emphasized that FEMA currently has personnel on the ground in all six states directly impacted by Helene, including search and rescue teams and the Army Corps of Engineers. While some voices have criticized FEMA’s speed of response, records indicate that their response time aligns with previous natural disasters.
When responding to disasters like Helene, FEMA’s main roles include conducting damage assessments, supporting local emergency management operations, and providing financial assistance to both individuals and local governments. The collaborative spirit in Asheville has been palpable, as communities unite to support one another and navigate the hardships brought by the storm.
How Residents Can Get Assistance
For those seeking assistance, FEMA has released valuable information on how to apply for disaster assistance. Community members are encouraged to reach out, ask questions, and ensure they’re receiving the necessary support during this challenging time.
While the road to recovery may still be long, the resilience of the Asheville community shines through. The united efforts of local leaders, emergency workers, and dedicated citizens ensure that hope remains amid recovery efforts post-Helene.
