It’s been nearly a year since Hurricane Helene swept through the U.S., carving a path of destruction that started in Florida’s Big Bend region and sped north into Southern and Central Appalachian, impacting parts of Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky. These communities are now one year removed from the pounding rain and destructive wind, the swept-away bridges and streets clogged with debris, the cresting rivers, the searches and rescues — a year of recovery, rebuilding, and of living with the grief for the lives that were lost.
Helene was one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history, responsible for at least 250 deaths. Historic rainfall — in some communities, over 30 inches — deluged communities and caused record-breaking flooding throughout western North Carolina. Total costs from the storm were more than $78 billion. Helene’s extreme winds and rainfall were both made worse due to climate change.
The story of Helene’s impact and the journey of communities to recover and rebuild is only beginning. Below, we share reflections on this first anniversary of Helene, from partners who experienced the storm first-hand, and who have been active in repairing and rebuilding post-Helene:
A look back at Hurricane Helene
“Across Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, local officials have taken on new roles and extra work, nonprofits have met new and expanding community needs, and community members have become disaster experts in ways they never anticipated. While the road to recovery is long, I have seen new partnerships form and communities grow in ways that will better prepare us for future disasters. I’m hopeful that communities across Appalachia will be able to learn from one another and work together to create a strong and resilient future for the whole region,” said Erin Savage, environmental scientist and policy analyst in Mills River, N.C.
“Our home in Southern Appalachia is renowned not only for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities and welcoming communities, but also for its unparalleled biodiversity. Our forests, rivers and wildlife were catastrophically impacted by Helene and are struggling to recover right alongside the human citizens of this region. We are so fortunate that the people of this region deeply value their natural resources and have organized an incredible array of efforts to restore, protect, and advocate for them in the wake of the storm,” said Kat Diersen, Asheville Resident and Director of Private Lands and Policy for the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy.
“Helene was one of the most devastating and unifying events I have experienced. If your neighbor needed water, you brought them water—full stop. It showed what communities can accomplish when they have their backs against the wall. I am hopeful we can bring that same energy to solve the problems of the future and make thoughtful decisions about rebuilding and living with our evolving landscapes so that nature and communities can thrive together.” Patrick Hunter, Attorney at Southern Environmental Law Center in Asheville, NC.
Many small businesses in Asheville have persevered and remained open since Helene’s landfall. Mountain BizWorks, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution covering 26 WNC counties, began offering rapid recovery disaster funding to businesses just 10 days after the storm. To date, they’ve distributed $47 million in loan funding, $6.7 in grant funding, and continue to engage in long-term small business recovery efforts across the region. They’re also listening closely to the local businesses they serve. In Mountain BizWorks’ latest Local Business Impact Survey, 93% of survey respondents said their small businesses are now open. However, revenue for most is still more than 20% below pre-Helene levels.
Mountain BizWorks’ Executive Director Matt Raker shared, “Entrepreneurs identified key needs: flexible and forgivable capital, affordable commercial space, strong business support networks, repaired infrastructure, and a shared message that Western North Carolina is open for business. These components will be key as we work together to recover stronger as a region.”
A larger trend of extreme weather
The communities hit by Helene are not alone. The heavy rain and subsequent flooding seen during Helene are part of a larger trend across Appalachia. Over the last decade, there have been more than 30 federally declared disasters in the region, Helene among them. Every year, Appalachian communities still rebuilding from the last “record breaking flood” are hit by another. More expedient, efficient, and robust support for disaster recovery and pre-disaster mitigation are crucial to help the region better prepare for extreme weather.
Amid rising disaster risks, and ongoing recovery hurdles, Appalachian communities are doggedly working towards disaster resilience.
Local groups and volunteers have logged thousands of hours to clear public lands and trails that were devastated by Helene. The state of NC recently announced a $5 million investment in solar and battery storage microgrids for emergency responders and community-based organizations, building on work to improve energy resilience and preparedness by the Footprint Project, Appalachian Voices, Invest Appalachia, and others.
“The people who are still displaced and struggling to regain their livelihoods since Helene were living day-to-day before the storm. These grassroots efforts—improved readiness built by and with frontline communities—are so vitally important for future resilience” said Kristin Stroup of Appalachian Voices. Elsewhere in the region, community resilience hubs, nature-based hazard mitigation, river cleanup, advocacy initiatives, and many other projects showcase how Appalachians are helping their communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters — hoping to be ready when the next Helene hits.