At least 30 people have been confirmed dead, with hundreds more unaccounted for, after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across North Carolina, particularly in Buncombe County. The storm, which began as the most powerful hurricane on record to strike Florida’s Big Bend, has caused widespread destruction across multiple states, leaving over 105 dead nationwide.
Buncombe County, home to the city of Asheville, was one of the worst-hit areas. Emergency official Ryan Cole described the devastation as “biblical,” calling it the most significant natural disaster ever experienced in the region. Thousands of residents have been left without power or communication services, with rescue crews still working tirelessly to reach isolated areas. More than 1,000 individuals in the county remain unaccounted for, adding to the grim death toll as search efforts continue.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper called the damage “catastrophic”and federal emergency declarations have been issued for six states, including Florida and Georgia. The North Carolina National Guard has already rescued over 100 people, while the American Red Cross has set up more than 140 shelters across southeastern states to house thousands displaced by the storm.
Local businesses have also been decimated. Erin Quevedo, owner of a flooded salon in Buncombe County, described the wreckage, saying, “The salon was completely destroyed. We’re just trying to salvage what we can.”
The financial toll is estimated at $95 to $110 billion nationwide, though officials expect these numbers to rise as the full extent of the damage is assessed. President Joe Biden has directed FEMA to expedite aid to affected areas, while Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are expected to visit storm-stricken communities soon.
Although Helene has weakened, forecasters warn of continued risks from high winds, flooding, and tornadoes. With the 2024 hurricane season far from over, more severe storms are expected before it officially ends on November 30.
Melissa Enoch
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