One-Year Hurricane Helene Impact: NC Recovery, Awards, Aid Disparities

One year after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Southeast, including Asheville, North Carolina, and parts of West Virginia, recovery efforts continue amid ongoing challenges. Local radio station 570 WWNC was recognized with regional and national Edward R. Murrow Awards for its 14-day commercial-free coverage helping connect the community to vital resources during the disaster. Appalachian Power reported extensive damage and an unprecedented restoration effort, including replacing 1,400 utility poles, some requiring helicopters to access remote areas. Despite federal assistance through FEMA, many families still face difficulties navigating aid, with some applications lost or denied due to administrative errors. Community resilience is highlighted by volunteers, such as a group from First Lutheran Church, aiding home repairs, while local leaders emphasize the long-term nature of recovery, estimating it could take up to 15 years. The region continues to push for additional federal funding, with only a fraction of requested disaster relief reaching affected areas so far.