Asheville Strives for Resilience and Recovery Following Storm Helene’s Devastation

Asheville Faces a Long Road to Recovery After Storm Helene

Asheville, N.C. has been a swirling hub of activity after the recent storm Helene wreaked havoc across the region. On October 21, Governor Roy Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell took the time to visit the Community Care Station, rolling up their sleeves to offer vital updates on the state and federal response to the disaster.

Truth Over Misinformation

During the visit, Governor Cooper put his heart on his sleeve, stating, “Many survivors of this storm lost everything. They want help, and they want the truth.” He passionately urged everyone to work together to provide both assistance and clear information. “Storm recovery cannot be partisan. To truly help people, we must check party politics at the door and get this job done,” he emphasized.

Interestingly, he didn’t shy away from addressing the former president’s recent comments, specifically asking him to refrain from spreading “lies or misinformation.” Cooper added, “When you are making people believe that help is not coming, often they can turn to scam artists.” It’s a call for unity amid chaos, reminding everyone that this is about the people needing help, not the politics surrounding it.

FEMA Stands Firm

Administrator Criswell didn’t hold back, shooting down claims that North Carolina had blocked aid to victims. She explained, “I was talking to the governor before Helene even made landfall… We prepositioned resources here at his request to make sure that they could go out and support these communities.” She reassured that their disaster relief funds are strictly allocated and haven’t been diverted elsewhere. This assurance was an essential response to the swirling rumors that misinformation could bring.

Update on Recovery Efforts

As of now, progress has been notable but there’s still a long way to go. The governor provided an update, noting that about 5,000 customers still don’t have power—a significant drop from the sky-high number of over 1 million right after the storm hit on September 27. Fortunately, cell phone coverage has mostly bounced back, allowing for better communication.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has been busy, reopening 789 roads out of a total of approximately 1,200 that were damaged. With plenty of dedicated employees and resources at their disposal, they’re hustling to get every road back in shape.

Education and Rescues

On the education front, while 28 school districts have welcomed students back in the classroom, seven districts remain closed. Hope is on the horizon as two more districts are expected to resume classes this week!

On the ground, the situation has seen its fair share of heroics. The North Carolina National Guard, along with first responders, has rescued as many as 765 people amidst the disaster. However, the state still grapples with the aftermath, confirming 95 fatalities since the calamity began, while 26 individuals remain unaccounted for.

Aerial Deliveries and Continued Support

Because road access has been a challenge, various governmental and non-profit organizations have been using aerial systems to deliver essential supplies. Over the course of the recovery efforts, more than 27 million pounds of food and water have been distributed. Plans for future support are in place, with several planes, helicopters, and ground vehicles working around the clock to ensure that supplies reach all corners of Western North Carolina.

The takeaway? Asheville is a testament to resilience and community spirit during this tough time. With governor and federal support, the region is rallying together, proving that even when faced with insurmountable challenges, the human spirit perseveres.