Hurricane Helene Recovery Update for Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC—What a whirlwind the last few days have been! The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left its mark on Western North Carolina, and the recovery efforts are in full swing. The storm rolled through this area on September 26-27, and while the skies have cleared, the path of destruction is still being assessed.
Veteran Support Arrives
Today, we got news that President Biden has approved a request from Governor Cooper for active-duty military personnel to assist in ongoing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. This support comes in addition to the over 1,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers who have been deployed. These brave men and women are already making a huge difference—having performed more than 1,400 rescues and delivered a staggering 700,000 pounds of supplies since the storm.
School Closures and Community Updates
For those keeping track of school activities, Appalachian State University has canceled all classes at its Boone and Hickory campuses, with a closure expected to last until at least October 11, pending further assessments. With fall break on the horizon, classes may not resume until as late as October 16.
The impact of the hurricane on local schools has been significant. The Buncombe County leaders held a press conference where Sheriff Quentin Miller confirmed that tragically, there have been 61 storm-related fatalities in Buncombe County alone. School officials have been attempting to reach all staff members following the storm. Although they’ve managed to contact many, some are still unaccounted for. Facilities did suffer some flooding, but most have reported minimal structural damage.
Water and Power Restorations
As for essential services, residents have been anxious to hear updates on water accessibility. The William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant is currently inaccessible, but that doesn’t mean everyone is without water. Thanks to the Mills River Treatment Plant, some residents still have functioning water systems. However, a boil water advisory is currently in effect, so let’s keep that in mind when filling up our cups!
On the power front, around 91,000 customers in the county are still experiencing outages. The good news is that Duke Energy is working hard and expects the majority to have their power restored by Friday, October 4.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
In a show of community resilience, Mellow Mushroom in downtown Asheville is giving back! The local pizzeria is serving free pizzas from noon to 4 p.m. today, with a generous donation valued at $5,000. Just a reminder that kindness is always in season!
Meanwhile, Jackson County Public Schools have also stepped up, providing over 1,100 meals to those in need and plan to continue this daily service through October 4. Community resource centers at Jonathan Valley Elementary and Bethel Elementary are also available, offering food, water, and hot meals for children.
What’s Next?
FEMA has rolled out assistance applications online for folks feeling the aftereffects of the storm. This can be a vital resource for many affected families looking for support. As the days progress, updates about conditions, school closures, and power restoration efforts will continue to emerge, so sticking together and being informed is key.
As we navigate this challenging chapter, it’s heartening to see the community coming together—whether it’s through military support, local businesses providing food, or residents just lending a hand to one another. Keep those spirits high, Asheville! Together, we can rebuild and recover.
If you’re looking for more resources or have questions about assistance, stay tuned to local announcements and community boards. We’re all in this together!
