Asheville, North Carolina, faced devastating flooding damage from Hurricane Helene, leaving the historic village of Biltmore Village under water. Residents like Tammy Borgesen were left without power, trying to connect with loved ones from a downtown hotel with Wi-Fi access. Water levels were several feet high, submerging streets and causing immense destruction. The French Broad River overflowed in the River Arts District, heightening the devastation.
With a population of 95,000 residents, Asheville experienced catastrophic flooding as Hurricane Helene made landfall in Georgia. The storm left at least 42 people dead and millions without power in several southern states. In eastern Tennessee, over 50 people were stranded at a hospital due to rising water levels and high winds, requiring dangerous rescue operations.
President Joe Biden approved emergency declaration requests from governors of affected states and mobilized over 1,500 federal personnel, including search and rescue teams, medical teams, and power restoration teams. Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina will receive federal assistance after the storm, which has had a devastating impact on the southeast region.
The destruction caused by Hurricane Helene serves as a reminder of the impacts of climate change and the need for immediate action to address its effects. Residents and officials in the affected areas are working to recover from the extensive damage caused by the storm and provide support to those in need.
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