One-Year Hurricane Helene Aftermath Struggles Across Virginia, North Carolina Communities

One year after Hurricane Helene, communities across Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina continue to recover from widespread flooding and damage. Giles County, Virginia, faced devastating floods that displaced families and shuttered businesses, but local volunteers and organizations have helped the area rebuild, with ongoing support from the Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund. In Southwest Virginia, the town of Damascus is still restoring its iconic Virginia Creeper Trail, which was severely damaged by floodwaters, impacting tourism and local businesses. Western North Carolina's Boone area is also on a difficult path to economic recovery, as businesses like Mast General Store rebuild after flood damage during peak tourism season. Bakersville, North Carolina, remains vulnerable due to lingering flood risks from sediment-filled creeks and a high wildfire threat from damaged forestry, with recovery efforts hampered by funding delays from FEMA. Across these regions, officials emphasize the resilience of communities but acknowledge the long-term challenges in infrastructure, economy, and disaster preparedness caused by the storm.