Asheville Gears Up for Recovery After Tropical Storm Helene
As life begins to shed the heavy coat of Tropical Storm Helene, residents of Asheville, North Carolina are feeling the impact of the storm weeks after it swept through. Over three weeks have passed, and 26 people remain unaccounted for. The storm devastated western North Carolina and is considered the deadliest storm in the state’s history, claiming a toll of 224 lives overall.
State Officials Mobilize to Locate the Missing
In response to the storm’s chaos, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety has assembled a dedicated task force to locate those still unaccounted for. The numbers tell a grim story: earlier reports indicated that as many as 96 individuals were missing in North Carolina alone. The storm claimed 49 lives in South Carolina, along with several deaths in other states including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia.
While search and rescue teams continue their vital work, officials are also focused on recovery efforts. Hundreds of roads remain closed, disrupting daily life, and many parks have been closed for safety reasons. The impact of Helene is palpable with more than 7,300 homes and businesses still without power as of Tuesday, and a boil-water advisory currently in effect for all Asheville residents.
A Return to Everyday Life
Amidst the chaos, the community is working hard to get back on its feet. Buncombe County’s school board has announced plans to reopen schools on October 28. Additionally, officials lifted a citywide curfew. Major attractions, including the North Carolina Arboretum and the iconic Biltmore Estate, are preparing for their upcoming reopenings, giving residents hope for some semblance of normalcy.
Water Woes Continue
While about 95% of Asheville’s water system is operational again, the water is still deemed non-potable, causing frustration among residents like Del Coufal, who reflects on how life’s essentials can be taken for granted. He mentions, “It’s just frustrating to watch as water returns to other parts of Asheville while we’ve had none for three weeks.” Many residents have adapted to this new reality, making trips to local distribution sites for the water they desperately need.
Schools Brace for Return
As schools prepare to reopen, Superintendent Maggie Fehrman is focused on supporting students emotionally. She emphasizes the importance of allowing students to express their feelings about the situation. After a tough month that even saw the loss of four students in the storm, the district is working to ensure all students feel recognized and supported.
Managing Debris and Community Concerns
With efforts to clean up the debris left in Helene’s wake underway, residents have raised valid concerns about the location of temporary debris processing sites near public housing areas. In response, officials have closed several sites and designated a new main area to manage the mountain of wreckage, which includes almost 10 million cubic yards of storm debris.
City Manager Debra Campbell reassured residents of the need for prompt and responsible debris removal, emphasizing safety and environmental considerations. Residents like Vivian Pagan, living near one of the initial processing sites, expressed their worries for children’s health and safety and are calling for a more suitable location.
Looking Forward to Reopening
As Asheville works tirelessly to recover, the Biltmore Estate is set to welcome visitors again on November 2, while the North Carolina Arboretum aims for reopening by November 18. These popular attractions play an essential role in the local economy and are crucial for the community’s morale. As more businesses and facilities prepare to reopen, residents are hopeful for a revitalized Asheville.
In the face of adversity, the determination of first responders, utility workers, and community members shines brightly. The recovery process may be slow, but the resilience of Asheville and its residents proves that no storm can overshadow the strength of a dedicated community.
