North Carolina Community Recovers After Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene has left a profound impact on Western North Carolina, with a death toll rising to 102 and many communities still grappling with the aftermath of the storm nearly three months later. The hurricane, which initially made landfall as a Category 4 storm, caused significant flooding and landslides, isolating residents and complicating rescue efforts. Local businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, have been severely affected, with many struggling to recover during what is typically a busy tourist season. In response to the devastation, the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville has launched a holiday light display to uplift the community, offering additional ticket sales to support families impacted by the storm. This initiative seeks to foster a sense of community and hope during the holiday season, as residents come together to heal from the disaster. Recovery efforts continue, with estimates indicating that it will take at least $53 billion for the region to fully recover.