A year on from Helene
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Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina on Sept. 27, 2024, killing at least 108 people in the state.
The big picture: In western North Carolina, tourists are returning to buzzing destinations like Asheville and Boone. Such towns are still recovering, but businesses are reopening, and homes are being rebuilt.
Yes, but: Other small towns, from Waynesville to Lake Lure, say they're still waiting on federal assistance to rebuild — forcing many local officials to make repeat trips to Washington, according to Smoky Mountain News.
- In these towns, Helene left millions in catastrophic damage to municipal and commercial buildings, homes and industrial plants.
What we're watching: Gov. Josh Stein recently requested $13.5 billion in aid from Congress for Hurricane Helene recovery, with funds aimed at rebuilding homes and businesses, supporting local governments, and repairing infrastructure across western North Carolina.
- Including previously appropriated allocations, Stein is seeking a total of $23 billion.
- Officials on both sides of the political aisle in western North Carolina and Raleigh have complained that FEMA is sending funding far too slowly, WBTV reports.
Go deeper: The News & Observer's photos of Helene's damage and how it looks one year later.
