The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left Asheville and surrounding North Carolina towns and cities in a state of crisis, with officials scrambling to deliver essential supplies like water and food to areas cut off by flooding and power outages.
The death toll from the storm has climbed to at least 91, with 30 fatalities reported in Buncombe County, which includes Asheville.
Governor Roy Cooper warned that the number of casualties is likely to increase as rescuers reach isolated communities. Asheville, currently cut off due to extensive damage, is receiving supplies via airlifts, and officials have promised to get food and water to the city by Monday.
Read: Widespread Devastation Isolates Asheville, North Carolina As Hurricane Helene’s Toll Rises
The process of rebuilding from the widespread destruction is expected to be long and arduous.
The impact of Hurricane Helene has been felt across the Southeast, with deaths reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with over 50 search teams deployed to locate stranded individuals. President Biden, who plans to visit the affected areas this week, described the storm’s impact as “stunning” and pledged full federal support for recovery efforts.
The hurricane made landfall in Florida on Thursday as a Category 4 storm, causing widespread flooding and power outages. Over 2 million people remain without power, with South Carolina experiencing the most significant outages.
North Carolina has been hit with its worst flooding in a century, and landslides have hampered efforts to deliver supplies to affected areas.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is actively involved in the response, with Administrator Deanne Criswell touring affected areas and President Biden approving a disaster declaration for North Carolina to provide federal funding for recovery.
Beyond Asheville
While Asheville has been a focal point in news coverage of Hurricane Helene’s impact, it’s crucial to recognize the widespread devastation across the vast expanse of Western North Carolina. Countless towns and cities, including Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and many others, are grappling with flooding and destruction.
The affected area, encompassing numerous counties, is comparable in size to Massachusetts and is home to 11% of North Carolina’s population.
Read: AccuWeather Increases Hurricane Helene Damage Estimate To $145-$160 Billion
Millions of residents in these communities are currently without power, communication, water, and access to transportation or rescue teams. The level of destruction is unimaginable, and the need for aid extends far beyond Asheville.
It’s important to remember that this crisis also affects the Tennessee mountains, Western Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina. The focus on Asheville, while understandable, shouldn’t overshadow the urgent needs of countless other communities in the region.
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