Here's a link to a local resource, includes a way to look
for someone, Pamela, if you haven't found your friend...
***
Due to the effects of Hurricane Helene, officials have
urged residents not to travel to affected areas, as roads
remain dangerous and resources are limited.
A portion of I-40 near the NC and Tennessee border that
was severely damaged from Hurricane Helene.
All roads in Western NC are considered closed, and all
travel to WNC should be avoided, according to NCDOT.
Photo by NCDOT
From the coast of Tampa to the Appalachian Mountains,
Helene brought significant destruction across 500 miles,
leaving many communities in Western NC in urgent need of
support and recovery.
On Sunday, President Biden approved Governor Roy Cooper’s
request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for
Tropical Storm Helene, enabling immediate federal
assistance for 25 counties in NC and the Eastern Band of
Cherokee Indians.
Here’s what we know:
During yesterday’s 4 p.m. press conference regarding the
aftermath of Helene, local officials provided crucial
updates on the situation in Buncombe County. Tragically,
40 people have died in Buncombe County alone so far
Officials have urged residents not to travel to affected
areas, as roads remain perilous and resources are scarce.
A curfew is still in effect for the City of Asheville,
from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. and there will be no trash or
recycling collections, or bus services until further
notice.
Food, water, and shelter
Yesterday, the City of Asheville established water and
distribution sites. Each household will receive one day’s
worth of supplies per household member. Currently, there
are three emergency shelters in place:
AB Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville
(use Victoria Road entrance)
Medical Emergency Shelter (for individuals who are
dependent on medical equipment requiring power), 10
Genevieve Circle, Asheville
Currently full: WNC Agricultural Center, Fanning Bridge
Rd.
Connecting with loved ones
With many folks still without cell service, The Register
of Deeds office is helping families locate loved ones
they haven’t heard from. They’ve received 11,000+
requests so far. A wellness check initiative is being
organized, with volunteers conducting door-to-door
visits. If you haven’t heard from someone who may be
affected by the storm, please complete this form to
notify Buncombe County officials or call (828) 820-2761
to leave a voicemail.
Cell service
The community is experiencing limited power and cell
service, and temporary solutions are in place to improve
communication. These stations provide cellular voice and
data, as well as Wi-Fi + charging stations:
Verizon cellular satellite trailer | Family Justice
Center, 35 Woodfin St.
T-mobile cellular satellite trucks | Asheville Middle
School, 211 S. French Broad Ave.; Dr. Wesley Grant Sr.
Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St.
Immediate ways to help
For those looking to assist financially, donations can be
sent to helenedonations@buncombecounty.org, to community
nonprofit BeLoved Asheville, or to one of the 400+
verified GoFundMe pages relating to Hurricane Helene. You
can also donate to a special fund created by GoFundMe.
If you’re local and can volunteer, reach out to
volunteer@buncombecounty.org.
ABC13 provided a helpful list of available resources for
donations, volunteer opportunities, and food.
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