Kalpana Sharma
Updated on: October 16, 2024 5:11 pm GMT
The Biltmore Estate, a jewel in Asheville, North Carolina, is reeling after significant damage from Tropical Storm Helene. This stunning estate is a major tourist attraction, welcoming 1.4 million visitors each year. The storm hit Western North Carolina hard, affecting not only the estate but also the entire region.
Extent of the Damage
The Biltmore Estate, known for its 250-room mansion, extensive gardens, and picturesque winery, faced critical challenges during the storm. While the iconic mansion sustained minimal damage, the estate’s low-lying areas experienced significant flooding. Buildings at the entrance and on the farm were particularly hard hit.
“We are still assessing impacts to the estate from Tropical Storm Helene and that will take some time,” a representative from the Biltmore stated. Unfortunately, some animals were lost to the storm, though most remain safe and accounted for. The estate’s forested grounds suffered extensive wind damage, prompting crews to work tirelessly to clear roads and prepare for repairs.
Power Outages and Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of Helene, Buncombe County, the home of Biltmore Estate, became the center of destruction. Tragically, 72 lives were lost, and around 78,000 homes and businesses remained without power days after the storm passed. The local power company, Duke Energy, reported catastrophic damage to the electrical substation serving Biltmore Village.
“The water line is almost to the top of that substation,” explained Duke Energy spokesperson Bill Norton. Repairing this substation will take three to four months. To mitigate the impact on residents, Duke Energy has deployed a 200,000-pound mobile substation expected to be operational by Sunday.
Long-term Impact on the Community
The storm also left about 105,000 homes in Western North Carolina facing long-term power outages. Plans are underway to construct the damaged Biltmore Village substation on higher ground to avoid future flooding issues.
Residents of nearby areas are feeling the strain. In Mitchell County, many are struggling to adapt in the wake of the storm. “Where do we go?” asked Susan Allen Wroblewski, a local resident. “We got hit the worst. It’s been stressful.” Residents have stepped up to help one another by clearing roads and facilitating repairs.
Future of the Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate has announced that it will remain closed to visitors until at least October 15, with further updates on operations to come. Visitors hoping to explore this historic site must await news of repairs and safety assessments. The impact on tourism in the area is yet to be determined, but the estate remains an important cultural landmark in North Carolina.
As Biltmore Estate takes stock of the damage and begins the lengthy recovery process, the resilience of the community shines through. Efforts to restore safety and power continue, allowing residents to slowly reclaim their lives.
Conclusion
Tropical Storm Helene really affected the Biltmore Estate and nearby areas. It’s going to take a lot of time and hard work to recover. As people check the damage and start fixing things, the spirit of Asheville stays strong. Both residents and visitors are looking forward to the day when the Biltmore Estate can open its doors again and share its rich history and beauty with everyone.
