Two weeks after the storm, doctors, health professionals and officials in charge of disaster relief say there could be a second wave of medical concerns affecting hospitals and clinics, and it could be here soon.
From CPP: HCA and nurses union reach contract deal in the midst of disaster response
At a hospital without running water, Asheville’s Mission Hospital and its union of nurses have come to a long-awaited agreement, ratifying a new three-year contract just two weeks after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the city.
Helene Resource Directory for week of Oct. 7
Our staff has compiled a list of important information for readers to know in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene’s devastation. Please be aware that things are changing rapidly, and some of these listings may be out-of-date by the time you read this. If you know of any information that should be included in future […]
2024 Election Voter Guide
In-person voting starts Thursday, Oct. 17. The N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE) approved emergency measures at a meeting Oct. 7 to “ensure election officials can provide accessible, safe and secure voting options for residents of Western North Carolina,” according to a news release.
From CPP: NC legislators commit $5 million to emergency election measures
The State Board of Elections initially requested $2.1 million to help run elections in 13 counties; instead, they will receive $5 million to aid the 25 counties that were part of the federally declared disaster area last week.
In photos: Signs of hope in WNC
Over the previous week and a half, we’ve seen plenty of devastating videos and photographs from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. In Western North Carolina, lives have been lost, homes destroyed, businesses washed away, communities decimated. As a paper, we understand the importance of documenting such events, and will be doing so in future […]
GOP leaders tour area and pledge bipartisan support for recovery
North Carolina’s elected officials pledge federal support while perpetuating some false claims of diverted FEMA funds.
From CPP: Western NC college programs adjust after disruption of Helene
No colleges have reported any injuries or fatalities, though UNC Asheville is still working to account for some of its students. A tree fell on a student-filled residence hall at Lees-McRae college in Avery County, but no one was hurt.
FEMA, strained by second major hurricane in two weeks, says troops will remain in North Carolina
“FEMA is not taking any resources away from ongoing operations here in North Carolina,” spokesman Darrell Habisch told Asheville Watchdog. “We’re providing additional available resources to Florida.”
Hotel group opens doors to first responders
The Restoration Hotel, along with three other partner hotels downtown, has opened its doors to first responders who have come to the area to help with disaster recovery from Tropical Storm Helene.
Hendersonville community members step up to help in wake of Helene
In the days after Tropical Storm Helene hit, people in Hendersonville found ways to help their neighbors in need. Here are some of their stories.
From CPP: Applying for FEMA aid in NC after Tropical Storm Helene
The deadline to apply for aid is Nov. 27.
Resources for businesses, employees
The following resources were compiled from lists from Explore Asheville and Mountain BizWorks. The following is up-to-date as of Oct. 8. Love Asheville From Afar Initiative In response to the significant impact of Hurricane Helene, the Love Asheville From Afar initiative was launched in partnership with the Asheville Downtown Association, Go Local Asheville, ArtsAVL, the […]
UPDATE: Woodfin mayor says town slow to get government aid
Woodfin Mayor Jim McAllister told Xpress on Oct. 4 that he is frustrated with the lack of support his town is getting from state and federal agencies in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.
Wellness roundup: Charles George VA Medical Center weathers storm
The Charles George VA Medical Center in east Asheveille has power and a steady water source, enabling it to offer emergency and inpatient care.
From CPP: Out of the mud. Talking with storm survivors in Yancey and Mitchell counties.
Many communities and businesses, such as the homes in Micaville, 7 miles east of Burnsville, were overwhelmed by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Helene in Yancey and Mitchell counties, among the highest locations in the Eastern United States.
MANNA FoodBank rallies to rebuild food distribution
Despite the destruction of its East Asheville facility, Western North Carolina’s main hunger-relief hub is finding ways to serve the community. Also: updates from Equal Plates Project, WNC Food Systems Coalition, Food Connection and Asheville Independent Restaurants.
FEMA offers range of assistance
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) so far has provided more than $26 million in housing and other types of assistance to over 25,000 households in North Carolina as of Oct. 5. The relief agency is providing assistance with home repairs, temporary housing and property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). Individuals may also qualify for help […]
N.C. Department of Environmental Quality looking into reports of toxins in French Broad River
The N.C. Emergency Management Joint Information Center confirmed Oct. 4 that state and federal agencies have received reports of potentially toxic mud on the banks of the French Broad River in Madison County near Marshall.
Unstoppable local businesses shift focus to community
Still in shock, local businesses owners focus on helping the community.
Asheville area doctors work through challenges to serve patients
by Andrew R. Jones To Dr. Ruchi Moore and her colleagues at Asheville’s Laurel OB/GYN, Hurricane Helene’s onslaught felt like a rerun of the COVID-19 pandemic “plus just an insane snowstorm.” The storm shuttered the practice, leaving patients in crisis, and destroyed one employee’s home. But Moore and her staff plan to reopen today, even […]