School Disruptions After Hurricane Helene: A Look at the Long-Term Impact

Hurricane Helene left behind a trail of devastation in the Southeast, causing significant disruptions to students' education. Schools in North Carolina, like Buncombe County, are still closed weeks after the storm hit because of damaged buildings and lack of essential services like water and power. This has led to concerns about students missing up to a month of school, impacting their learning and emotional well-being.Unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual learning isn't an option due to poor internet connectivity. Schools are trying to provide stability by suggesting activities like reading and writing, but reopening safely remains a challenge. The storm has also highlighted the broader issue of climate change's impact on education, as natural disasters continue to disrupt school days worldwide.