Raleigh, NC — In the somber aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which ripped through the Southeast United States nearly two months ago, North Carolina continues to grapple with significant losses. The hurricane, which initially made landfall in Florida on September 26, unleashed more than 30 inches of rain across western North Carolina, fostering deadly flooding that devastated communities, homes, and infrastructure.
As North Carolina faces the impending winter, the destruction has left many without vital resources, including gas for heating homes. The storm has caused insurmountable damages to several gas stations in Western North Carolina, escalating the urgency for recovery as colder weather approaches.
The catastrophic effects of the flooding have now claimed 231 lives across seven states, with the toll in North Carolina rising to 103 following a recent death. A 40-year-old man from Yancey County tragically died on November 12 when his gravel truck, used in storm cleanup, overturned. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the majority of these deaths were drownings that occurred during the storm’s peak.
The dangers, however, extend beyond the floodwaters. Recovery efforts pose their own deadly risks. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has highlighted several significant health risks associated with post-storm cleanup, including carbon monoxide poisoning from generators, blunt-force trauma from debris, and injuries from chainsaw use.
In recent weeks, multiple individuals involved in cleanup operations have succumbed to these hazards. People with medical conditions have also been vulnerable; some unable to access needed oxygen have died from related complications, worsening the post-storm human toll.
The focus now shifts to recovery and the rebuilding of shattered communities. In Buncombe County alone, home to cities like Asheville, Swannanoa, and Black Mountain, 43 fatalities have been attributed to the hurricane. Recovery teams are tirelessly working to clear debris and restore normalcy as they also discover bodies swept away by the storm.
Local authorities and volunteer groups are channeling efforts to ensure safety and expedite restoration. The North Carolina government is advocating for residents to observe safety protocols during cleanup and is providing assistance to those most heavily impacted.
Efforts from local communities have been poignant with stories of resilience. In the early days of the flooding, for example, whitewater rafters in Western North Carolina organized impromptu rescue missions to save stranded residents, showcasing the bravery and solidarity among survivors.
However, as winter nears, the full scale of Hurricane Helene’s impact becomes even clearer. With significant damage to infrastructure and homes, and a pressing need for heating supplies, the path to recovery promises to be long and fraught with challenges. The community, bound by collective loss and shared resilience, continues to look forward, hoping for swift restoration and healing in the wake of one of the most devastating storms in recent history.