Flash flood caused by Hurricane Helene.
Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Over 460,000 homes in North Carolina remain without power, with 280 routes still blocked by landslides and floodwaters.
- Asheville faces severe water and gas shortages, leading to long lines at gas stations and ATMs as residents struggle with limited cash and fuel supplies.
- Relief organizations like the Salvation Army and the Red Cross are actively raising funds to support survivors, while rescue teams conduct air and water rescues.
Hurricane Helene, a record-breaking Category 4 storm, caused massive destruction across the Southeast, leaving over 2.1 million people without power. More than 460,000 in North Carolina are still in the dark, as the storm caused landslides, trapped residents, and submerged communities under floodwaters.
Power Outages and Road Closures Stall Recovery Efforts
Almost 460,000 houses in North Carolina still lack electricity, compared to a million during the storm’s height. Governor Cooper asked the public to avoid the roads as traffic is impeding repairs; 280 routes, including parts of I-40 and I-26, are still blocked. The process of restoring cellular service is still underway since many people are still unable to communicate.
With 10 to 29 inches of rain, the storm caused potentially fatal landslides and flooding. Officials claim that in some areas of the state, up to 1,000 individuals are missing. To help those who are stranded, rescue personnel are doing air and water rescues.
Gas and Water Shortages Plague Asheville
Widespread floods in Asheville caused shortages of water and gas. Due to power outages and erratic internet access, several gas stations have ran out of fuel and are now cash-only. At the petrol stations, long lineups developed, yet many locals departed with nothing. One person who was waiting in line for fuel remarked, “We tried, but there’s really nowhere to go.”
Additionally, locals are rushing to get water. At Canton Plaza, a water tanker will be positioned, enabling locals to fill containers up to one gallon per person each day.
Long Lines for Cash Amidst Power Outages
Residents are forced to rely on cash because many shops are unable to handle credit or card transactions due to the power outage. Hour-long lineups formed at ATMs as individuals scrambled to get cash for needs like groceries, petrol, and water. An hour and a half long line grew outside the Wells Fargo ATM in downtown Asheville.
Delta and United Airlines to Resume Flights
At Asheville Regional Airport, flights are scheduled to resume as United Airlines and Delta prepare to reopen. By Sunday night, American Airlines intends to start operating again. The airport is attempting to resume regular operations after the storm caused difficulties.
Relief Efforts Underway as Residents Await Help
Relief efforts are well underway while officials continue to evaluate the storm’s damage. Diverse groups are collecting money to support survivors, and rescue personnel are dispatched to remote villages. Instead of bringing unwanted items, people are being asked by federal officials to pay money to help with recovery operations.
Donation channels have been established by organizations like GoFundMe, Salvation Army, and American Red Cross. In the impacted communities, Americares and All Hands and Hearts are also engaged in both short- and long-term rehabilitation initiatives.
The priorities now remain resuming power restoration, reopening highways, and aiding those most impacted by Hurricane Helene as Asheville starts to recover.
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