In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, western North Carolina communities are grappling with devastating destruction and loss of life. The hurricane, which has claimed 200 lives across multiple states, has left a trail of destruction reminiscent of the 1,800 deaths caused by Katrina nearly two decades ago.
Sarah Vekasi, a potter from Black Mountain, North Carolina, embodies the resilience of the affected communities. Despite the trauma and uncertainty surrounding her business, Sarah Sunshine Pottery, she finds solace in the daily town meetings. These gatherings, held in the town square, have become a lifeline for residents seeking information and support.
"All I can say is that I'm alive. I'm not doing great. I'm not doing good. But I'm extremely grateful to be alive, especially when so many are not."
Black Mountain, founded in 1893, is one of many towns in Buncombe County facing the storm's aftermath. The county, home to the vibrant city of Asheville known for its arts scene and the historic Biltmore Estate, has reported at least 61 fatalities.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in remote areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian range that runs through western North Carolina. Helicopters are being used to reach stranded individuals, while search crews navigate treacherous terrain to conduct door-to-door checks.
The storm has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with power outages affecting nearly a million homes and businesses across the Carolinas and Georgia. Efforts to restore electricity are underway, but progress is slow due to the extent of the damage.
Community support has been crucial in the recovery process. Volunteers in Asheville, the largest city in western North Carolina, are organizing to locate unreachable individuals and distribute essential supplies. This spirit of mutual aid reflects North Carolina's state motto, "Esse quam videri" (To be, rather than to seem), as residents put words into action.
Communication challenges have hampered rescue and identification efforts. Avril Pinder, a Buncombe County official, highlighted the difficulties in notifying next of kin due to widespread cell service outages. The county is still working to identify all victims and locate missing persons.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have visited the affected areas, pledging federal support for the recovery efforts. The government has committed to covering the costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures for six months in North Carolina and three months in Georgia.
The impact of Hurricane Helene extends beyond North Carolina. Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia have all reported storm-related deaths. In Tennessee, a tragic incident at a plastics factory resulted in multiple fatalities when workers were swept away by floodwaters.
As the recovery continues, the resilience of North Carolina's communities shines through. From the coast, stretching over 300 miles along the Atlantic, to the peaks of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi, residents are coming together to rebuild and support one another in the face of this unprecedented disaster.