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Asheville, the largest mountain city in North Carolina, was left in a state of distress and turmoil as Hurricane Helene’s remnants brought widespread devastation to the region. The aftermath of the storm resulted in power outages, road flooding, and communication disruptions, leaving the residents stranded and cut off from the outside world.
The impact of the storm was catastrophic, with over 400 North Carolina highways being shut down as floodwaters receded, revealing the extent of the damage. Governor Roy Cooper mobilized emergency supplies to the affected areas, but the scale of the destruction was overwhelming as reports of casualties began to emerge.
According to CBS News, Hurricane Helene claimed the lives of at least seven people in North Carolina alone, adding to the total death toll of 57 across multiple states. The tragic loss of life and the widespread destruction left countless families in a state of uncertainty and worry as they struggled to reach their loved ones in the affected areas.
One of the harrowing stories to emerge from the storm was that of Janetta Barfield, a nurse at Asheville Mission Hospital, who found herself trapped in her vehicle as floodwaters rapidly rose around her. Describing the terrifying ordeal, she recounted how her vehicle became stuck in standing water, filling up to her chest within minutes. She was eventually rescued by a brave police officer who witnessed her predicament and came to her aid.
The city of Asheville was plunged into darkness as power outages affected over 700,000 residents in the state, with 160,000 in Buncombe County alone. Gas stations were forced to close due to the lack of electricity, causing long queues at the few that remained open. The normally vibrant tourist hub fell eerily silent as floodwaters inundated popular areas like Biltmore Village and the River Arts District, home to many galleries, boutiques, and breweries.
Roads leading in and out of Asheville were rendered impassable, with major highways I-40 and I-26 shut down in multiple locations. The North Carolina Department of Transportation issued a warning that all roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed, further isolating the city from the rest of the state.
The communication blackout in Asheville added to the sense of isolation and despair, as residents were left without cellphone service and no information on when it would be restored. Emergency services struggled to reach those most in need, with County EMS Director Van Taylor Jones confirming the loss of lives but unable to provide further details due to communication disruptions.
The authorities imposed a curfew in Asheville from 7:30 p.m. Friday to 7:30 a.m. Saturday to ensure public safety and prevent looting in the affected areas. Law enforcement also halted public transportation services, adding to the sense of chaos and uncertainty in the city.
As residents struggled to cope with the aftermath of the storm, many faced water shortages and low water pressure as a major pipe broke during the deluge. Officials advised residents to boil all water used for human consumption to avoid contamination, adding to the list of challenges facing the beleaguered city.
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene’s remnants, the resilience and spirit of the people of Asheville shone through as they banded together to support each other in the face of adversity. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with determination and solidarity, Asheville will overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger than ever before.
