Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 15, 2024 12:49 pm GMT
Floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Helene have wreaked havoc across North Carolina, leaving over 50 dead and cutting off the city of Asheville from essential services.
Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Impact
The storm’s aftermath has left at least 52 people dead across multiple states, with North Carolina facing the brunt of the disaster. More than 400 roads remain closed as floodwaters recede, revealing extensive damage in the region. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper reported that supplies are being airlifted to the affected areas as emergency response efforts begin.
Local Life Upended
As Asheville, known for its vibrant arts scene and tourism, struggles, power outages have affected over 700,000 customers* statewide, leaving many without electricity. In Buncombe County alone, 160,000 residents are without power, leading to long lines at the few gas stations that remain operational.
Rescue efforts highlight the quick change in conditions brought on by the storm. Janetta Barfield, a nurse, shared her experience as rising waters trapped her vehicle. “It was unbelievable how fast that creek got just in like five minutes,” she reported, emphasizing the dangers of underestimating floodwaters.
Emergency Services Struggle to Reach Residents
The communication breakdown has made it challenging for families to connect with loved ones. Many cell phones are out of service, leaving families worried about those unable to check in. Francine Cavanaugh from Atlanta expressed her concerns, saying she hasn’t heard from her sister or friends in Asheville since the storm hit.
County Emergency Services Director Van Taylor Jones confirmed loss of life and acknowledged the challenges posed by the outage in communication. “We have had some loss of life,” he stated, but details remain limited due to the conditions on the ground.
Safety Measures and Community Response
As the scope of the disaster becomes clearer, the Asheville police imposed a curfew from 7:30 p.m. Friday to 7:30 a.m. Saturday to ensure public safety while emergency services are mobilized. Additionally, the city has advised residents to boil all water for consumption due to a significant water line break during the storm.
Sheriff Quentin Miller commented on the overwhelming nature of the storm. “It’s not that we weren’t prepared, but this is going to another level,” he stated. The sheer volume of rain and wind led to mudslides and widespread destruction.
Recovery Efforts Underway
While the storm’s winds and rain have subsided, recovery and rebuilding efforts are just beginning. Roads remain blocked, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation has warned that all roads in Western North Carolina should be deemed closed until further notice.
Local officials are prioritizing emergency responses, but the devastation will take time to overcome. Evacuations are ongoing in the most affected areas, while airlifts are bringing in much-needed supplies for those stranded.
In the coming weeks, families will likely seek assistance and information about recovery efforts. Community organizations and volunteers will play a critical role in providing support and rebuilding lives in the wake of this tragic event.
Conclusion
The impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville and surrounding areas serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power. With lives lost and communities torn apart, the focus will now shift toward recovery and rebuilding. As the situation evolves, staying informed and connected will be vital for residents and their loved ones. For continual updates on recovery efforts and safety measures, you can visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation website.
Asheville is working hard to recover from recent challenges. The community is coming together to help each other and rebuild. There are many ways to get involved and support the recovery efforts.
