Buncombe County's Storm Response: A New Tool for Residents

Buncombe County has rolled out a new online tool to help locals dealing with Hurricane Helene. Launched on Saturday, this platform lets people upload geotagged photos and report issues like blocked roads or landslides. Here's how it works: first, snap a picture, then upload it to the site. The photo's geocode gives emergency crews the exact location. But remember, using the "Take Photo or Video" option won't send location info; you need to upload the pic for it to work. As of 9 a. m. Saturday, over 74,000 people in Buncombe County are still without power. Food and water distribution sites are open until 7 p. m. For those with no water, officials suggest placing a full 2-liter bottle in the back of toilets to save water. They also warn against using stream or river water due to storm contamination. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is prioritizing safety. Search and rescue missions are ongoing, with over $27 million provided statewide. In Buncombe County alone, 14,000 disaster assistance applications have been approved, with over $12 million disbursed to survivors for critical needs and displacement help. Officials urge residents to register for disaster assistance to get the aid they need. For more details on the online tool, check out the provided link. Stay updated on news and weather by downloading the WXII app.