The aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to pose challenges for residents in Western North Carolina, particularly in the town of Canton. Despite the receding floodwaters, Mayor Zeb Smathers emphasizes that the crisis is ongoing due to a region-wide power and cellular outage.
The telecommunications failure has severely impacted the town's ability to locate missing individuals, hindering search and rescue operations. Many residents in the area are still isolated from essential services such as roads, cell phones, internet, ATMs, and credit card machines.
Mayor Smathers expressed frustration at the outdated technology available for dealing with a 21st-century storm, highlighting the need for more resilient infrastructure.
In response to the challenges posed by the communication breakdown, locals and first responders have implemented creative solutions. Pack mules are being used to deliver water, food, and supplies to inaccessible areas, ensuring that residents receive necessary assistance.
Search and rescue teams have resorted to handwritten notes and instructions in the absence of text or cell phone communication. Additionally, residents are using whiteboards and tarps to list their names, which are then shared on social media platforms to reassure loved ones of their safety.
Furthermore, the use of satellite phones and walkie talkies has proven crucial in coordinating rescue efforts and maintaining communication among emergency responders.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing outage, the community's resilience and resourcefulness are evident in their adaptive strategies for navigating the post-storm recovery process.
