Asheville Community Unites and Adapts After Hurricane Helene’s Impact

Asheville Community Faces Challenges After Hurricane Helene

Asheville, N.C. has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the past few weeks, especially after the impact of Hurricane Helene. Six weeks have passed since the storm, yet damage and road closures continue to linger around the city, leaving many locals and business owners grappling with the aftermath.

Road Closures and Business Adaptations

One of the most affected areas lies along South Tunnel Road, a significant route that has been closed since the storm. This road is home to several businesses, including Lowe’s and Walgreens, both of which have had to pivot to adapt to the situation. In a creative response to the ongoing closure, these businesses have set up pop-up shops in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall, ensuring they can continue serving their customers while navigating the challenges presented by the storm.

Just a short drive down the road and across the now-blocked bridge sits La Rumba Latin Restaurant. The owner, Reynaldo Macaiao, faced a moment of despair when he initially heard reports of extensive damage from the nearby river. “A lot of people started telling me the river was causing a lot of damage to other buildings beside me, and I was like, ‘OK, it’s gone, I guess,’” he recalled.

A Silver Lining After the Storm

When Macaiao finally managed to survey the aftermath, he discovered that his restaurant had miraculously survived the storm. To his relief, the building was intact, and the inside remained unscathed. Eager to reopen for his loyal customers, Macaiao and his team sprang into action, even though access to the restaurant was severely limited by the blocked road.

“Hopefully, people know we’re here, we’re open,” he expressed. Despite the challenges, such as water system issues and a noticeable drop in sales, Macaiao has found strength in his community’s support. One of those dedicated patrons, Cory Wall, who has been visiting La Rumba for the last two years, said, “He is one of my favorite people in this town, in this community.” Wall reached out to Macaiao after the storm, hoping to encourage others to support the restaurant.

The Community Spirit Shines Bright

Wall, wanting to help, has been telling everyone to take a detour down Fairview Road to indulge in a meal at La Rumba. Macaiao expressed profound gratitude for customers like her, highlighting the sense of community that has emerged during these tough times. “It feels weird. It feels like you’re happy for your staff and your business, but you feel sad and guilty for people,” he said. While he feels blessed to be open, he can’t help but notice other neighboring businesses that weren’t as lucky, which adds to a blend of emotions.

Access to the restaurant has been a hurdle for many, primarily because the bridge closure has disrupted normal travel routes. Many of La Rumba’s patrons would typically come from the bridge, and Macaiao recognized the inconvenience this poses. “We understand it’s hard for people coming and traveling this way, but I’ll say again, we still have our great supporters,” he said, emphasizing the unwavering support his business continues to receive.

Looking Ahead

As the days pass, Macaiao remains optimistic and thankful. He hasn’t received a clear timeline about when South Tunnel Road might reopen, but he holds onto hope for better days ahead. “Every day has been something for us, so it’s better than nothing,” he remarked, highlighting the resilience of both himself and his staff.

In a time filled with uncertainty, the compassion and humility shown by the Asheville community stand out as a beacon of light amid the disaster. Macaiao’s focus on maintaining positivity and gratitude for the customers who continue to support La Rumba is a powerful reminder of the strength that communities can exhibit in the face of adversity.