Blue Ridge Public Radio

Original post Two more people have been confirmed dead in Yancey County the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Haywood County, North Carolina authorities reported on Friday.  A total of 12 people in Yancey County have died due to Helene, public data show. Search and rescue efforts and recovery continue across the region. The latest information […]

Original post With high levels of sediment still clouding the water at the North Fork reservoir, water resource officials are turning to unusual tactics. “A private contractor will install curtains in the reservoir to create a section where water particles can be clumped together so they become heavy and fall to the bottom,” a statement […]

Original post Buncombe County courts are operating on a very reduced schedule, Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams told BPR. “Do not fret about missing a court date if you have one coming up in this period,” Williams said. The courts remain open for “essential constitutionally mandated” matters, such as domestic violence protection orders, probable […]

Original post A 72-year-old woman in Haywood County was killed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Haywood County, North Carolina authorities reported on Thursday. State officials say she died on Sept. 29 “as a result of lack of basic necessities.” The woman, who has not been publicly identified, was included as the latest confirmed […]

Original post Some parts of the Nantahala National Forest will open Friday, October 11. In the Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala Ranger District, Tusquitee Ranger District all developed recreation sites, trails and roads are open. There are exceptions that are not open: Appletree Group Campground Balsam Lake Lodge Wayehutta OHV Trail System Wine Springs Horse Camp […]

Original post Asheville leaders say they’ve completed an important step in water system repairs. The city has been burning midnight oil to fix its mangled water system. Water has been out for the majority of Asheville residents for two weeks after Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic damage to the region. At 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, work […]

Original post Asheville-based attorneys are stepping up to help people fill out FEMA disaster assistance forms through November 27. The law firm of Fisher Stark PA is teaming up with the Davis Law Group and Patton Allen Real Estate to help with the next wave of recovery efforts by providing no-cost, application help. Attorneys will […]

Original post The state’s official fatality count generally has been lower than the number of deaths reported by BPR and other sources. That’s because Buncombe County officials have shared publicly that they have recovered storm victims whose deaths are still under investigation by North Carolina pathologists. From the earliest point of government and law enforcement […]

Original post As the majority of Asheville residents continue to struggle without water, some car wash facilities in South Asheville are open and operating … counter to the requests of local officials On Wednesday afternoon, more than a dozen cars lined up at Heroes Car Wash on Hendersonville Road to use some of the city’s […]

Original post The NC Department of Health and Human Services reported one additional fatality today. Hurricane Helene killed 120 people in North Carolina to date. Local emergency management, EMS, the NC Medical Examiner System, and Office of Chief Medical Examiner staff are working cooperatively with FEMA to respond to fatalities related to Hurricane Helene in […]