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Original post Some FEMA disaster assistance operations changed plans over the weekend after threats to FEMA staff safety. “For the safety of our dedicated staff and the disaster survivors we are helping, FEMA has made some operational adjustments,” a FEMA spokesman said in a statement to BPR. “Disaster Recovery Centers will continue to be open […]

Original post The latest information available shows 124 people died in North Carolina during the floods, landslides, and aftermath of the disaster. Officials confirmed on Sunday that a 90-year-old woman left Buncombe County due to the storm. She fell in temporary housing in Wake County and died. Of those deaths reported so far, 117 of […]

Original post The University of North Carolina Asheville has announced it will move all coursework online for the rest of the Fall 2024 semester. “We are certain that you are filled with many questions, concerns and possible challenges participating in online instruction and coursework beginning on October 28,” UNCA Chancellor Kimberly van Noort said in […]

Original post On Friday, the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration announced 25 North Carolina counties will receive up to $10 million in funding to support disaster cleanup jobs and job training to help the western part of the state recover from Helene. These counties include Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, […]

Original post HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman, left, speaks with Monique Pierre, CEO of the Asheville Housing Authority. Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer looks on in this background. (Laura Hackett) Shortly after Helene devastated the region’s infrastructure, shorting out utilities and wiping out key infrastructure, Asheville’s Housing Authority plastered flyers on its residents’ doors, informing tenants that […]

Original post There were no additional fatalities confirmed by North Carolina authorities on Saturday, Oct. 12, and search and rescue efforts and recovery continue across the region. The latest information available shows 123 people died in North Carolina during the floods, landslides, and aftermath of the disaster. Of those deaths reported so far, 116 of […]

Original post Asheville’s Veterans Affairs hospital is running on emergency water but has been able to see patients, Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said on Thursday. After Hurricane Helene caused damage and devastation across Western North Carolina at the end of September, the VA hospital in Asheville began to reopen Oct. 5. McDonough […]

Original post At an emergency meeting on Friday, the Buncombe County School Board heard a somber update on the status of its students and facilities. Superintendent Rob Jackson confirmed that four students have died, although their names were not shared. “I’m extremely broken hearted to share that since the storm’s arrival we have lost four […]

Original post U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on Zoom with BPR. (Lilly Knoepp) More than 120 people lost their lives when Hurricane Helene devastated 25 counties in Western North Carolina. Fallen trees, landslides and mudslides damaged thousands of roads and bridges in the storm, complicating efforts to rescue victims, move supplies and make repairs. […]

Original post Asheville’s broken water system took one step closer to repair as crews were able to connect a 36-inch bypass line at the North Fork Reservoir. The move allowed officials to begin pressurizing water into the system. North Fork Reservoir work on October 9, 2024.(City of Asheville) The water is bypassing the filtration facility, […]