ASHEVILLE, NC — The aftermath of Hurricane Helene is still haunting Buncombe County after the devastating storm struck the region on September 26, 2024. With losses reaching tragic proportions, as many as 42 people dead and 10 still missing, residents and organizations are rallying together to support the community and help it recover.
The hurricane made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend before unleashing its fury on North Carolina, where it left behind cataclysmic flooding and widespread destruction. “There are going to be some people we have lost in this storm who we will never find,” said Ryan Cole, the county’s Emergency Services Assistant Director, summing up the grim atmosphere. The rescue efforts, initially responding to around 600 missing persons cases, have now dwindled down to fewer than ten as search parties scramble to find any remaining survivors.
While the search officially winds down, the emotional toll is staggering. “Every day goes on without hearing from him makes it less likely someone is going to find him,” lamented Amanda Darrohn about her missing brother-in-law, Matt Darrohn, “who was last seen on Merrimon Avenue.” His family is grappling with the uncertainty, reflecting the broader dislocation affecting families throughout the region as searches become more difficult amid the murky waters of despair.
Fatalities from Hurricane Helene are reaching alarming numbers, with the storm claiming at least 95 lives across North Carolina. Cole added, “The floodwaters were so ferocious, some bodies were found more than five miles away from where they went missing, which is very unusual for this mountainous region.” These tragic findings serve as stark reminders of the storm's severity, with nearly 30 people still reported missing statewide and thousands left without reliable power or water.
Currently, Asheville, known for its vibrant arts and culinary scenes, remains under water boil advisory as relief efforts push on. Local businesses, hit hard by the storm, are striving to recover and attract tourists back to the city. “Absolutely! We are open, and downtown — the rest of the businesses and things — are really needing people to come travel here,” emphasized Katie Button, chef and restaurateur whose establishments suffered disruption but are now operating again. To aid recovery, many artists and small businesses have turned to online sales to promote their handicrafts as holiday gifts.
This creative pivot is especially important for the artists affected by the destruction of the River Arts District, where many lost their studios and artworks altogether. “The community needs us to help,” Button added, highlighting the interconnectedness of the local economy. Together with various artists, she is working to funnel sales back to the hard-hit community.
The online platform “Love Asheville from Afar” initiated by Explore Asheville showcases unique gifts from local businesses, allowing patrons to support artists from home during this difficult period. The platform invites potential shoppers from afar to explore what Buncombe County has to offer— helping small businesses rebuild and equipping tourists to contribute to recovery.
Meanwhile, NASCAR and Lowe's are stepping up to provide much-needed assistance. They have facilitated the delivery of temporary homes for families impacted by Hurricane Helene. Michael Jordan, the NBA superstar and owner of 23XI Racing, highlighted the aggressive recovery efforts: “Our hearts go out to everyone suffering from Hurricane Helene's devastation. We are honored to support the NC Disaster Relief Fund to help restore hope for these families.”
With 17 tiny homes successfully delivered before Christmas, NASCAR, alongside skilled laborers and Lowe's funding, is aiding those displaced to protect their right to remain on their existing lands as they begin the rebuilding process. “From Lowe's standpoint, we said: 'Okay, if you can bring the builders, we can bring the products,’” stated Lowe's senior director, Julie Yenichek, recognizing the importance of keeping families connected to their communities.
Although signs of recovery are visible, the road to full restoration will be lengthy. Over 5,000 families are currently staying in temporary accommodations—hotels or rentals—as they await more stable housing solutions. The continuing support will be necessary, with FEMA reporting $279 million allocated to assist households rebuild their lives and another $307 million approved for community recovery.
Each passing day evokes bittersweet memories for those affected, but as new initiatives and community spirit emerge from the floodwaters, hope remains alive among Asheville's citizens. The comeback will be gradual, but it is clear: this resilient community is not giving up anytime soon. While the winds of Hurricane Helene may have departed, it is the unyielding strength of Buncombe County's residents, committed to rebuilding, who will truly define its future.
