Buncombe County, North Carolina, which includes the city of Asheville, is reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Sheriff Quentin Miller confirmed on Monday morning that the county has suffered a tragic toll, with 35 confirmed deaths.
Sheriff Miller expressed the profound impact of the loss, stating, 'Devastation does not even begin to describe how we feel.' The death toll from Helene now stands at 115 across six states, highlighting the widespread devastation caused by the hurricane.
Tragically, one of the fatalities in Buncombe County includes a sheriff's deputy, marking the third confirmed death of a law enforcement officer in North Carolina. The community is mourning the loss of lives and grappling with the challenges of recovery.
Local officials are urging individuals not directly involved in rescue and recovery efforts to stay away from the affected areas. The flooding has severely damaged infrastructure, making it difficult for emergency responders to access those in need.
County manager Avril Pinder revealed that three tractor-trailers filled with water arrived in Buncombe County early Monday morning. However, this supply is only sufficient to provide one day's worth of water for each resident, underscoring the urgent need for additional resources.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell are visiting Buncombe County to assess the situation firsthand. Pinder emphasized the critical need for more supplies, stating, 'We've been asking for water, and we're just getting water, and it's still in low quantities. There's a large need in our communities, and we would like to see a different response from our state partners—a better response from our state partners.'
The community of Buncombe County is facing immense challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helene. As recovery efforts continue, the support and assistance of state and federal agencies are crucial in helping the affected residents rebuild and recover from this devastating natural disaster.
