Asheville Faces the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Asheville, N.C. is currently navigating the tough waters left behind by the devastating Hurricane Helene. Speaking on Sunday, September 29, the city’s Mayor, Esther Manheimer, shared her heartfelt gratitude for the community’s resilience and support during what she described as an “unprecedented storm situation.”
The Community’s Response
Mayor Manheimer acknowledged that the most pressing concern for so many residents is the issue of water service. She reassured everyone that the city is working diligently to restore water services. The Mills River plant, located in south Asheville, is operational and providing water to some residents. However, those living in the northern part of the city, and customers outside city limits served by the North Fork plant, are facing more significant challenges.
“We’re doing our absolute best,” she explained. “While some areas are regaining access to water, others are still in a tough spot due to washed-out roads that are complicating our restoration efforts.” Mayor Manheimer urged those with water supply to prepare for potential outages by filling bathtubs and ensuring they have sufficient water stored up for their families.
Challenges Ahead
Even as repairs are underway, challenges persist. The mayor pointed out that they are witnessing a loss of feeder pipes leading into Asheville, further complicating the restoration process. “It could take several weeks before everything is back to normal,” she said. But there is hope; dedicated teams are on the ground, tirelessly trying to resolve the situation.
Woodfin Water District Reports Damages
The Woodfin Water District is also grappling with significant damages due to Helene. As of Sunday night, officials reported that some customers still have water services, but are working to reactivate water production over the next few days. Additionally, many of their facilities are without power, and they are struggling with the ability to run generators due to damages that hinder refueling efforts.
Community Preparedness
In light of these hiccups, the Buncombe County Emergency Operations Center is collaborating with state and federal authorities to set up potable water stations as quickly as possible for residents in need. Meanwhile, city workers are out and about in the community, distributing resource pages with essential information and instructions.
Stay Informed
Mayor Manheimer advised residents to sign up for AVL Alerts, which provide timely updates on restoration efforts. “It’s important to stay connected and informed during this challenging time,” she emphasized. In addition, Asheville remains under a curfew from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., so everyone is reminded to plan accordingly.
Future Updates
A further briefing regarding the situation is scheduled for Monday, September 30, at 10 a.m., where the city will participate to provide updates to the community. For those looking for additional resources, a crowdsourced site is available that lists various local facilities and services as Asheville continues its recovery.
This storm has certainly put Asheville to the test, but the community resilience and support show just how strong this city can be in the face of adversity. With every passing day, there’s hope that things will improve and residents can once again return to normalcy.
