Buncombe County Continues Recovery Efforts Following Hurricane Helene

News Summary

Buncombe County officials in Asheville, NC, are deeply engaged in recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage, leaving over 5 million cubic yards of debris. Cleanup activities are progressing at Riverside Cemetery, with help available for residents through the ‘Resources for Recovery’ initiative. Debris removal operations are underway, alongside power restoration efforts, as the community works together to heal and restore normalcy. A Candlelight Vigil is planned to honor those affected by the storm, marking the community’s resilience.

Buncombe County Continues Recovery Efforts Following Hurricane Helene

Debris Removal Progress Update

As residents of **Asheville, North Carolina** continue to pick up the pieces from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, **Buncombe County** officials are hard at work to ensure the community recovers as swiftly and smoothly as possible. The storm, which has been described as one of the worst to ever hit the area, left a staggering amount of debris in its wake—over **5 million cubic yards** to be exact!

At **Riverside Cemetery**, cleanup is well underway, with completion expected by next week. However, visitors will have to hold off a little longer before the cemetery officially reopens. It’s a sensitive time for many families, and the county wants to ensure everything is done right.

Help is on the Way

Recognizing the immense impact of the hurricane on residents, Buncombe County has kicked off a series of gatherings called **”Resources for Recovery.”** These events aim to provide wisdom and resources for anyone affected by the storm. It’s a friendly way to bring people together as they navigate this challenging period.

In the meantime, the Army Corps of Engineers reports they have reached the halfway point in debris removal operations across **seven counties** affected by the storm. Yet, there’s a catch—before the final clean-up can be completed, archaeological inspections must be conducted. After all, the history of our lands sometimes lies just beneath the surface.

If you find yourself buried under storm debris at home, don’t worry! Nearly **1,100 folks** have signed up for the county’s **Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR)** program. The best news? Applying is cost-free! The county takes care of all necessary review and inspection, making it easier for residents to get the assistance they need.

Community Response and Coverage

The county’s hotline has been buzzing with nearly **100 calls** a day regarding debris-related concerns. It seems that every corner of Buncombe is feeling the impact of the hurricane, with locals like **Lee Panta**, an 83-year-old resident from Fairview, reporting considerable wreckage on his six-acre land, although he thankfully escaped unscathed.

On November 13, **27 trucks** hit the streets of Asheville to gather storm debris. If you’re one of the residents looking to clear your yard, county officials urge you to categorize your materials clearly. Construction junk, old appliances, electronics, hazardous waste, and yard debris are all on the collection list. Remember to pile up items at the right-of-way without obstructing traffic—it’ll make life easier for everyone involved in the clean-up.

So far, the county has collected over **100,000 cubic yards** of debris, which is a staggering amount. Additionally, teams from **Asheville Public Works** are prioritizing the removal of trees that pose hazards along public thoroughfares.

Power, Water, and Community Services

Power restoration efforts are still underway with around **469 Duke Energy** customers still waiting for their electricity to come back on as of October 18. Meanwhile, residents in Swannanoa can breathe a sigh of relief since a temporary waterline has been connected, benefitting around **75 homes**. Crews are also treating water at the **North Fork Reservoir** to ensure clean water, especially after the chaos of the storm.

In Black Mountain, water service has resumed, but be mindful that residents are still under a boil water notice for safety. However, it’s worth celebrating that the boil water advisory for Weaverville has been lifted, meaning you can feel safe tapping into your regular water supply.

As life slowly returns to normal following Hurricane Helene, food and water distribution sites are adjusting their hours to match the decreasing demand as schools reopen across the county.

Lifting Spirits

Sadly, the storm left its mark in more ways than one, causing an estimated **1,000 landslides** in the area. To honor those affected, a **Candlelight Vigil** is scheduled for October 22 at **Pack Square Park**. This will be a heartfelt opportunity to come together and remember those lost during the storm.

With the **burn ban** now lifted, residents are free to manage debris burning — but don’t forget to exercise caution. Thankfully, the county’s previous curfew has been lifted, giving everyone some level of normalcy back to their lives.

Buncombe County is on the road to recovery, and together, the community will get through this stormy chapter in history.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Asheville City Council Prioritizes Community Recovery
Carolina Day Suffers Defeat to Asheville Christian Academy
Asheville Businesses Invited to Participate in Impact Survey After Hurricane Helene
Asheville Braces for Flooding as Hurricane Helene Approaches
Asheville Honors Local Heroes During Severe Weather
Buncombe County Prepares for Heavy Rain and Flooding Risks
Asheville’s Food Scene Rallies Post-Hurricane Helene
Asheville Recovers: A Community’s Resilience Post-Hurricane Helene
Buncombe County Schools to Reopen After Hurricane Helene
UNC Asheville Sees Increase in Spring 2025 Enrollment

Additional Resources

• WLOS: Riverside Cemetery Cleanup Update
• ABC11: Buncombe County Debris Removal Program
• Spectrum Local News: Debris Cleanup Efforts
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
• Google Search: Buncombe County Debris Removal