Community Unites in Recovery Efforts After Helene’s Destruction in Asheville
Asheville, N.C. – The community of Asheville is working through the aftermath of a significant natural disaster that struck the area at the end of October. Leaders from Buncombe County and the city of Asheville recently came together to provide an update on the recovery progress following the storm named Helene. With the extent of the damages heavily impacting the timeline for restoration, local leaders are maintaining a positive outlook while detailing the challenges that lie ahead.
The Scope of Damage
Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder shared that the damage inflicted by Helene on Asheville and its neighboring regions has been extensive. The combination of damaged infrastructure, affected homes, and compromised roadways are contributing factors that are prolonging the recovery process. “Restorations are taking longer than they initially anticipated due to the amount of damage and repairs required,” Pinder explained. This sentiment reflects the many hardships that residents have faced since the storm.
Challenges in Specific Areas
Local crews, tasked with restoring power and services to impacted areas, are facing several obstacles, particularly in locations like Biltmore Forest and Black Mountain. Access to these regions has proven to be challenging, resulting in a slower recovery pace. The teams are working tirelessly along the Swannanoa River to assess and repair the damage, often needing to revisit areas multiple times to address various infrastructure issues.
Efforts to Restore Connectivity
As part of the recovery efforts, internet service provider Spectrum has made significant progress in restoring internet access throughout the county. Currently, the company has managed to reconnect about 93% of its Buncombe County customers. However, around 7,000 residents are still without internet access, highlighting that the need for continued work remains.
The crews are focusing on repairing a crucial fiber-optic artery that plays an essential role in restoring various telecommunication services, including cell service, for those who are still offline. Similar repair work is also being conducted on the east side of Weaverville. Once services are restored, customers can expect to see credits automatically applied to their accounts, providing a bit of relief during this difficult time.
A Community Coming Together
In the spirit of resilience, the people of Asheville are showcasing their strength as they unite to support one another. Local organizations, volunteers, and community leaders are coming together to provide aid and resources to those whose lives have been disrupted. From food distribution to housing assistance, Asheville is a testament to mutual aid during challenging times.
Looking Ahead
Though the road to recovery may be long, the collaborative efforts of the community and local authorities underscore the determination to rebuild. Pinder reassured residents, stating, “We are committed to working through these challenges and ensuring that our infrastructure is not only restored but improved.” The commitment to future resilience proves that, even in the face of adversity, Asheville continues to stand strong.
As the community forges ahead, residents are reminded to remain patient and stay informed about ongoing recovery efforts. With the combined strength and support of its individuals and leadership, Asheville is on a path to healing from the storm and emerging in a stronger position for the future.
