Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on western North Carolina, resulting in at least 44 deaths and widespread destruction. The storm triggered massive flooding, leading to homes being engulfed, businesses destroyed, and power cuts affecting thousands. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to provide essential supplies to affected areas, with hundreds of people still unaccounted for and over 450,000 customers left without electricity.
Buncombe County, which includes the popular city of Asheville, was severely impacted by the storm, with 35 reported deaths. Asheville, known for its vibrant arts scene and tourism, found itself isolated as power and communication lines were severed, and roads and bridges were destroyed. The aftermath of the storm has left many in shock, with businesses like the Asheville Guitar Bar facing years of recovery. In remote areas, first responders are struggling to reach those who are missing due to washed-out roads.
Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller described Hurricane Helene as a historic and unprecedented event that caught officials off guard due to its intensity. The devastation in the mountains of Appalachia was particularly surprising, as residents are not accustomed to such catastrophic weather events. The impact of the storm was captured in photos and videos, showing neighborhoods destroyed, homes swept away, and businesses in ruins.
The historic village of Biltmore, near the Biltmore mansion, was submerged in floodwaters, highlighting the widespread damage caused by the storm. President Joe Biden pledged support for the affected areas and promised to visit as long as it does not hinder recovery efforts. The storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida before moving through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, causing more than 100 weather-related deaths across the Southeast.
Residents in Asheville shared harrowing stories of survival, including Jessica Drye Turner, who tragically lost her elderly parents and nephew when their home collapsed during the storm. The community remains in shock as they begin the long recovery process following the unprecedented disaster. As recovery efforts continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clear, the residents of western North Carolina are banding together to rebuild and support one another through the challenging times ahead.
