North Carolina is in the midst of a massive cleanup effort following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The U.S. Department of Transportation has released $100 million in emergency funds to help rebuild roads and bridges that were damaged by the storm. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that the funding is intended to ensure that critical routes are repaired and reopened quickly. The storm caused widespread flooding in several towns, resulting in the deaths of at least 229 people, with 116 confirmed fatalities in North Carolina alone. Some areas in the western North Carolina mountains saw over 8 inches of rain, contributing to the destruction.
Hundreds of roads across Western North Carolina remain closed as a result of the storm damage, prompting an increase in air traffic as teams search for survivors from the air. The Federal Aviation Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation reported a 300% increase in air traffic over the region since the storm passed. Interstate 40 and other highways have been blocked by mudslides, with approximately 400 roads closed due to damage from the storm. The Department of Transportation noted that Interstate 40 suffered damage at multiple locations, complicating the cleanup efforts.
President Biden visited the Carolinas to assess the flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene. He flew over the area from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina, and announced that the federal government would cover all debris removal and emergency protective measures costs in North Carolina for six months. This federal aid is intended to support the state in its recovery efforts and ensure that repairs are carried out swiftly. The relief funds provided by the Department of Transportation will enable the North Carolina Department of Transportation to fund eligible repairs to damaged facilities more efficiently.
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, North Carolina has mobilized significant resources to address the widespread damage and loss of life. The emergency funding provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation is a crucial step in supporting the state’s recovery efforts and rebuilding infrastructure that was severely impacted by the storm. The increase in air traffic over Western North Carolina reflects the urgency and scale of the relief efforts as teams work to reach survivors and assess the extent of the damage. President Biden’s visit to the region highlights the federal government’s commitment to assisting the state and ensuring that resources are available to support the affected communities.
The focus of the cleanup efforts in North Carolina is on repairing roads and bridges that were damaged by Hurricane Helene. The funding released by the U.S. Department of Transportation will facilitate the rapid repair and reopening of critical routes that were impacted by the storm. The state’s Department of Transportation will play a key role in utilizing the relief funds to address the extensive damage caused by the storm and ensure that transportation networks are restored safely and efficiently. The collaboration between federal and state agencies underscores the importance of a coordinated response to natural disasters like Hurricane Helene and the commitment to supporting affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
