Catastrophic Impact of Hurricane Helene Across the Southeast
SWANNANOA, N.C. — Many residents in the Carolinas are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, struggling with lack of running water, cellphone service, and electricity. The storm has resulted in at least 166 fatalities, with search and rescue operations ongoing to account for those still missing.
Presidential Damage Assessment
President Joe Biden is scheduled to assess the devastation in North Carolina and South Carolina, as floodwaters recede, revealing extensive damage and loss. This visit underscores the urgency as communities begin to confront the aftermath of such a monumental disaster.
Rescue Operations and Community Response
Rescue crews, accompanied by search dogs, are navigating through debris and mud in the Appalachian foothills of western North Carolina, with a particular focus on Buncombe County, which has reported at least 57 lives lost. Many residents in communities such as Swannanoa are left with the haunting sights of displaced vehicles and collapsed structures.
Struggles for Survival
In the wake of the disaster, more than 1.2 million residents are without power. People are finding unconventional ways to cope; some are cooking on charcoal grills while others venture into the hills, hoping to catch a cellphone signal. Cliff Stewart, a military veteran, reflects, “Where am I going to go? I’d rather die right here than live homeless.”
Federal Response and Community Support
Authorities are mobilizing resources, with findings indicating over 150,000 households seeking assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Significant efforts have already yielded the delivery of nearly 2 million ready-to-eat meals and over a million liters of water to the hardest-hit regions.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
As power restoration continues, more than 25 water treatment facilities remain inoperable, leading officials to suggest the deployment of military resources to expedite recovery. Additionally, local emergency services report challenges in communication due to damaged infrastructure, with some residents reported to have resorted to challenging ‘cellphone signal hunting’ tactics.
Utility Service Disruptions
Service providers such as Verizon and AT&T are working diligently to restore connectivity; nevertheless, challenges persist due to the region’s steep terrain and scattered population. “Every single aspect of this response has been extremely crippled by lack of cellphone communication,” lamented local officials.
Wide-Reaching Effects of Hurricane Helene
Bleeding ashore as a Category 4 hurricane, Helene has caused unprecedented devastation across the Southeast, with reported fatalities accumulating in multiple states, including at least 36 in South Carolina alone. Local residents expressed frustration at delayed aid, highlighting the urgency as community members struggle for assistance.
