A staggering number of North Carolina inhabitants found themselves grappling with the absence of running water—an unfortunate impact of Hurricane Helene, which unleashed its fury on Florida and subsequently carved a path of devastation across the southeastern USA. Tragically, this calamity has claimed the lives of more than 180 individuals.
The storm’s relentless rains led to catastrophic flooding in the western region of the state, ripping apart water lines, crippling water treatment facilities, and causing widespread power outages.
According to an online state database, an alarming 20% of the one million residents in western North Carolina are either completely without water or encountering depressingly low water pressure.
Across five states, approximately one million homes and businesses remain shuttered without electricity, as reported by Poweroutage.us.
Residents have been cautioned to brace themselves for dry faucets—some might not see water flowing from their taps for days, if not weeks, as workers scramble to repair the extensive damage. For those fortunate enough to have water, boiling it before consumption has become an urgent recommendation.
At Pack Square Park, a bustling hub for essential supplies, a steady stream of individuals gathered as the city set up a food and water distribution center.
In the ongoing aftermath of the storm…
A dozen caring volunteers worked diligently, using a makeshift setup with PVC pipes connected to a tanker truck to dispense drinking water. Nearby, others offered donated ready-to-eat meals and convenient plastic water bags to those who lacked containers.
David Shoham, a professor at East Tennessee State University, stood in line for supplies. Since the storm hit on Friday, he hasn’t had access to water or power. Having filled his bathtub before the hurricane, he has since depleted his reserves while washing dishes.
“This is our reality,” he candidly remarked. “There’s nothing we can do individually. We have to trust that our institutions will step up and restore services. It’s infuriating, but who am I supposed to complain to? The man upstairs?”
Jordan Lance, the owner of Buxton Chicken Palace, along with three dedicated chefs, filled buckets and containers, transporting them away in a wagon as they prepared to serve up hot meals three times a day at a nearby food hall.
“We’re planning to whip up big pots of jambalaya soon, steaming rice, and ensuring hot food gets out to folks in need,” Mr. Lance shared, his voice thick with emotion when asked how his business could survive with a looming water shortage.
In North Carolina, residents tap into a variety of water sources depending on their location. Major cities typically draw from large water treatment plants, while more remote communities often rely on smaller local systems or even private wells.
Multiple water distribution sites have been established to aid those in need.
Storm devastation has obliterated roads and washed away vital infrastructure.
The county and city have financed the transportation of private water supplies, with the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stepping in to facilitate the delivery of drinking water across the region.
Desperate for water…
Hurricane Helene roared ashore in Florida late Thursday, initially making landfall as a formidable Category 4 hurricane. Its wrath extended to much of the southeastern U.S., where flash floods demolished homes and separated victims from their families.
Officials reported that the storm obliterated both primary and backup water lines at North Fork, one of three treatment plants serving the Asheville watershed. Furthermore, access to the DeBruhl plant became impossible due to debris blocking the roadways after the tempest. Currently, the Mills River plant operates under a significantly diminished capacity.
Authorities indicated that at least 61 lives were lost in Buncombe County, encompassing Asheville. This grim figure has elevated the overall death toll to at least 189 across six states, according to CNN.
Rachel Simpson, a 33-year-old resident, felt fortunate that her Asheville home sustained only minor damage during the storm. However, she expressed difficulty coping without water for bathing, laundry, or preparing meals.
“The city projects at least four weeks before water returns,” she lamented. “We’re managing as best as we can, but most of our current water supply comes from friends.”
Search-and-rescue teams tirelessly sift through the wreckage, searching for missing people.
Harrison Fahrer, 37, a co-founder of the Cellarest Beer Project in west Asheville, understands that his struggles are relatively minor compared to those who lost their homes and livelihoods. Yet he finds himself in a quandary about how to operate without water.
“You turn the tap, and all you hear is a disheartening hiss,” he said. “Without water, brewing is out of the question. If we can’t brew, we can’t cover our bills, loans, or rent.”
As search-and-rescue teams continue their vital work, delivering food, water, and aid to affected residents, President Joe Biden toured the area, surveying the devastation from washed-out roads, collapsed bridges, and downed power lines.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the thick of a presidential campaign against former President Donald Trump, visited Georgia just two days after Trump’s presence in the state.
This ongoing water crisis hampers businesses, hospitals, and schools in the Asheville region, complicating efforts to return to normalcy.
“The primary concern regarding students returning to school is the water issue,” remarked Asheville City Schools Superintendent Maggie Fehrman at a press briefing. “Without access to water, it remains impossible to bring students or staff back into our facilities.”
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
