President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for North Carolina, where severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene has resulted in at least 10 deaths and widespread damage across the state. The declaration makes federal funding available to individuals in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Assistance may include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other programs to aid in recovery efforts. Additional counties and forms of assistance could be added as ongoing damage assessments are completed.
One area that has been particularly hard hit by the flooding is Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village in western North Carolina. Known for being built and owned by a single individual, the village is now submerged under water, with tree branches, logs, and a dumpster floating through the streets. Residents like Tammy Borgesen are struggling to communicate with loved ones as they seek shelter in downtown hotels with Wi-Fi access. Water levels have reached several feet in some areas, with fast-moving water surging above front-door steps and inundating buildings and businesses.
Amidst the devastation, more than 200 people have been rescued from floodwaters in North Carolina, according to Governor Roy Cooper’s office. The Department of Transportation has reported that over 400 roads are closed in the state, making travel and rescue efforts difficult. The extent of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene has left many areas of Asheville nearly flattened, with buildings and small businesses submerged in water. The historic village of Biltmore is a poignant example of the widespread damage and displacement faced by communities across North Carolina.
The approval of the disaster declaration by President Biden signals the government’s commitment to providing support and resources to the affected areas in North Carolina. With federal funding now available, individuals and businesses in the designated counties can access various forms of assistance to aid in their recovery from the disaster. As rescue efforts continue and damage assessments are completed, additional counties may be included in the declaration, ensuring that those in need receive the help they require to rebuild and move forward in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
As rescue operations continue and the full extent of the damage caused by the hurricane becomes clearer, efforts are being made to provide relief and support to communities in North Carolina. The resilience and strength of the residents affected by the disaster are evident as they band together to communicate, seek shelter, and assist in rescue efforts. Despite the challenges and devastation faced, the approval of the disaster declaration and the commitment of government officials to the recovery process offer hope and guidance for those navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
