Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath: North Carolina’s Asheville Largely Cut Off
Following the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene, North Carolina’s largest mountain city, Asheville, faces significant challenges as floodwaters and severe damage leave the community largely inaccessible. On Saturday, an alarming number of roads remained closed, with over 400 in the state reported impassable. The combination of extensive power outages and disrupted cellphone service has added urgency to the situation, leading to deep concerns for those unable to reach relatives and loved ones.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
As the recovery at Intern Carolina’s downtown Asheville proceeds, officials reported at least ten fatalities attributed to the disaster, contributing to a grim toll of at least 63 dead across various states. North Carolina’s Governor, Roy Cooper, confirmed that emergency supplies are being airborne to affected regions, amid the scrutiny surrounding rescue attempts.
Among the compelling rescue stories, nurse Janetta Barfield narrowly escaped disaster when her vehicle stalled in floodwaters while returning from her shift. Account events transformed rapidly, underlining the unexpected dangers posed by the rapidly rising water levels seen in her experience.
Urgent Challenges for Asheville
Many community services, including public transportation, are under severe constraint. Viable routes into the city, including Interstate 40 and I-26, are blocked at numerous points, while the local transportation department has issued a warning that all roads in Western North Carolina should be deemed closed for safety. Moreover, Asheville experiences a significant power outage, with more than 700,000 customers affected statewide.
Struggling Access and Lack of Communication
Residents of Asheville woke to an unusual calm tempered by the rapid response required due to stranded individuals. The majority of local gas stations reported closures due to lack of power, with those operational faced with prolonged lines of customers. Cellular outages mean many in the community cannot reach one another, contributing to increasing anxiety. Emergency officials acknowledge the strain that the outage creates, particularly regarding communications with relatives and emergency contacts.
Local Government Response
In light of the desperation surrounding emergency services, Asheville police reinforced public safety measures, including an instituted curfew from Friday evening to Saturday morning. As officials confirmed ongoing emergency challenges, water safety advisories were issued, as a major water line broke during the storm, causing water accessibility issues for numerous households.
Community Concerns and Personal Accounts
Residents like Francine Cavanaugh have expressed concern over their family members displaced in the storm’s aftermath. In her case, attempts to contact relatives near Asheville have been met with frustrating silence, escalating her anxiety over their wellbeing during the life-threatening event.
Overall, Asheville grapples with the immediate impacts of Hurricane Helene, balancing rescue operations while managing communication disruptions, emergency restorations, and the profound unease felt by its trapped residents.
