Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts Continue In Multiple U.S. Communities One Year Later

One year after Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina and other affected areas, recovery and rebuilding efforts continue amid significant challenges. In Haywood County, North Carolina, reconstruction of a heavily damaged five-mile stretch of Interstate 40 is ongoing, with repairs expected to last until 2028, underscoring the extensive infrastructure damage caused by the flooding. St. Petersburg's Mayor Ken Welch acknowledged the complex and lengthy recovery process following back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, highlighting the city's efforts in securing significant federal funds and launching programs like Sunrise St. Pete to support housing and community recovery. Rural North Carolina communities are still focused on rebuilding over 1,000 destroyed or damaged bridges, which serve as vital lifelines for residents. Additionally, nonprofit organizations such as Coastal Recovery Virginia continue grassroots efforts, providing housing and volunteer assistance to families still struggling with the aftermath, emphasizing that full recovery will take years. These combined efforts reflect a sustained commitment to restoring normalcy and infrastructure in the hurricane-affected regions.