North Carolina Floods: Surviving Helene

Western North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene, with severe flooding and landslides causing extensive damage. Road closures have hindered emergency response efforts, while essential services like electricity, internet, and cellular networks remain down. The River Arts District in Asheville is almost entirely submerged, small businesses are destroyed, and crucial infrastructure like bridges and a portion of Interstate 40 have collapsed. Survivors face challenges in finding drinking water, power, Wi-Fi, and cell service amidst the chaos. Despite these hardships, relief efforts from various organizations are underway to provide food, water, and financial aid to those affected. The long-term economic impacts include lack of home insurance, job losses, and overwhelmed unemployment systems, potentially leading many residents to leave the state.