As if Hurricane Helene’s devastation of Western North Carolina’s Avery County wasn’t enough, a heavy rainstorm yesterday swept through and knocked out nearly a dozen of the footbridges volunteers had built over waterways so officials could reach stranded residents. The latest turn of events puts even more attention on the challenges an isolated mountain community of some 18,000 faces on the road to recovery.
Rainstorm Worsens Already Precarious Situation
On Sunday, more than three inches of rainfall overwhelmed the temporary bridges constructed to connect isolated areas. County officials report that over 20 residents are now inaccessible to first responders, further complicating an already slow recovery process. Many roads and bridges destroyed by Hurricane Helene on September 26 remain unrepaired, leaving families vulnerable.
The rainstorm adds to the increasing problems for the county, which had more than 400 residents displaced and at least 120 homes severely damaged or destroyed by the hurricane. Avery County Manager Phillip Barrier expressed concern about the pace of recovery, saying that while some areas have seen progress, others were still far from normal.
Community Struggles Amid Prolonged Recovery
The scale of destruction has made rebuilding an uphill task. Volunteers and organizations like Bridges for Avery have been instrumental in building temporary solutions, but the challenges remain. Founder Robin Ollis expressed concern for families, especially those with children and elderly members, who may find themselves stranded again.
The psychological impact among residents is palpable. For many, the aftermath of the hurricane-which took lives and forced tens of thousands to flee throughout the Southeast-was still fresh. Swaths of neighborhoods in Avery County and elsewhere were erased whole, leaving stark landscapes strewn with debris and loss.
Economic and Social Impacts Continue to Mount
The aftereffects of Hurricane Helene are not confined to physical damage. There have been huge economic losses in Western North Carolina, amounting to an estimated $600 million shortfall in revenue from travel, lodging, and associated industries in Buncombe County alone. More than 100 small businesses in Asheville have been closed because of infrastructure damage and decreased income.
A very timely and harsh reminder, this latest rainstorm hits the community of Avery County hard as it struggles on the path of recovery from natural disasters, a long, arduous road with continued rebuilding efforts in homes, infrastructure, and lives.
