October 11, 2024
Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage but also showed the resiliency of North Carolina’s people and its communities …
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announcing his signing of the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024, a $273 million relief package to help with initial response efforts to Hurricane Helene.
Why It Matters: Two weeks after historic flooding left devastation across North Carolina, restoration and relief efforts continue in the western part of the state. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has reported 91 verified storm-related deaths to date, and 27 counties have declared a major disaster. As of this writing, nearly 50,000 homes, including almost 30,000 homes in Buncombe County alone, are still without power. The Disaster Recovery Act is only the first step to restoration, as lawmakers are expected to return to the state capital October 24th for more legislative efforts.
Additionally, the Pentagon announced earlier this week the mobilization of nearly 1,500 soldiers to “support the residents and affected counties devastated by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.” Among them? Over 500 soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division work alongside local authorities in their continued search and rescue, first aid, transportation and logistics efforts. These soldiers join the National Guard’s nearly 6,000 Guardsman, representing 18 different states, who continue to provide “critical life-saving and life-sustaining support to the victims of this historic natural disaster.” (Pentagon)
Of the response to the storm’s aftermath by private citizens as well as local, state and federal government, Governor Cooper said, “Hurricane Helene was a powerful reminder of nature’s might, but it also revealed the unbreakable spirit of our people. In the face of adversity, we have seen neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping up, and first responders risking their lives to ensure our safety. This has been a massive, unprecedented state, local and federal response and I am grateful to all of those working tirelessly. Your bravery and selflessness embody the very essence of our community.”
Read More: North Carolina governor signs Hurricane Helene relief bill (AP)
Image Credit: North Carolina National Guard
by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
