Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville and western North Carolina, leading to the deployment of the National Guard and a federal disaster declaration from President Joe Biden.
By Sunday morning, over 500 National Guard troops, along with 200 vehicles and aircraft, were deployed to respond to Hurricane Helene, which has killed 91 people across multiple states, including 30 in Buncombe County.
The storm has produced widespread flooding and mudslides, cutting off entire communities and making many roads impassable.
The National Guard’s efforts have led to 119 rescues of trapped residents and pets in the area, according to a statement by the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG).
The single largest mission resulted in the rescue of 41 people north of Asheville.
Emergency response teams from Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, Iowa, Florida, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania have also joined the response effort.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper highlighted the unprecedented nature of the storm’s impact and expressed his gratitude for the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
“This is an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response,” Cooper said at a press conference on Sept. 29.
He advised residents to avoid traveling on roadways in western North Carolina to keep them clear for emergency vehicles.
Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26 along Florida’s Big Bend coast before weakening into a tropical storm. However, the damage extended far beyond Florida, producing flooding and tornadoes across the southern United States.
The heavy rainfall led to mudslides and widespread flooding in western North Carolina, leaving large portions of Asheville underwater and damaging critical infrastructure, including roadways and dams.
Asheville’s Interstate 26, the main route connecting the city to South Carolina, has reopened, but many roads remain closed or impassable. Supplies and personnel are being airlifted into the isolated regions to provide much-needed aid.
Meanwhile, federal assistance continues to arrive.
On Sept. 29, President Biden approved a federal major disaster declaration for 25 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This declaration will expedite the flow of resources and support into the area.
“Our air assets have moved more than 34,000 pounds of cargo, including food, water, and medical supplies,” the NCNG reported in an update on X (formerly Twitter).
“We will continue these missions to ensure residents get the assistance they need during this challenging time.”
Despite fears that local dams would give way under the pressure of floodwaters, inspections revealed that the structures remain stable.
Black Mountain Police and the Asheville Fire Department confirmed that the Bee Tree Dam is functioning properly after issuing an evacuation notice due to concerns over a potential failure.
Similarly, the Tennessee Valley Authority found the Nolichucky Dam in Tennessee to be secure after floodwaters reached record levels.
As residents and first responders continue to cope with the aftermath, the focus has shifted to long-term recovery. Cooper has warned that more fatalities could be discovered as search teams reach the most isolated areas.
“Our first responders are the best in the nation, and I am thankful for their hard work and for risking their lives to protect all North Carolinians,” Cooper said.
Federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, have declared a public health emergency in North Carolina to address the health impacts of the storm.
Country music stars Luke Combs and Chase Rice have also pledged support for the recovery efforts.
“The people in western North Carolina are hurting from this devastating storm, and we are all working to get resources to people as fast as we can,” Cooper said.
“This is going to be a long-term recovery, and this federal declaration will help us respond.”
With thousands still without power and many communities isolated, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Residents are urged to heed evacuation notices and stay off the roads until further notice as officials work to restore order in the region devastated by one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the area in recent history.