North Carolina has received an initial $100 million in emergency aid from the US Department of Transportation for the restoration of roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Helene.
This funding is said to be the first step in a broader federal effort to help the state recover from the storm’s widespread destruction, ensuring vital transportation links can be repaired swiftly, as per CBS News.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are providing this initial round of funding so there’s no delay getting roads repaired and reopened, and re-establishing critical routes.” He assured the public that the Biden-Harris administration would continue to provide additional resources in the coming months to help North Carolina fully recover from the storm.
Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction, with severe flooding reported across several towns and at least 229 confirmed fatalities, including 116 in North Carolina alone. The storm dumped more than 8 inches of rain on parts of the state’s western mountains, with some areas seeing over a foot, causing widespread damage. As a result, hundreds of roads remain closed, and mudslides have blocked major highways like Interstate 40, further complicating relief efforts.
The storm’s aftermath has also led to a surge in air traffic over Western North Carolina, with rescue teams scouring the region from above in search of survivors. According to the Federal Aviation Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, air traffic in the area has increased by 300 per cent since the storm subsided, reflecting the intensity of the relief efforts.
In addition to infrastructure damage, countless homes have been destroyed, leaving many residents homeless. One such individual, Alvin Stiles from Morganton, North Carolina, lost his home to floodwaters and is now living in a tent. Despite the hardship, Stiles expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received, “I didn’t know there were so many people that care… it’s been overwhelming”, quoted CBS News.
Efforts to provide assistance are ongoing, with communities coming together to help those in need. In Asheville, residents who have been affected by the disaster, along with volunteers, gathered at a local high school on Saturday where hot meals were served. Diane Fair, one of the survivors, was quoted by CBS News saying, “There is no reason to hold my head down, God is still in the working business, and I’m blessed to be here.”
President Biden also visited the Carolinas earlier in the week, surveying the flood damage from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. He announced that the federal government would cover 100 per cent of debris removal and emergency protection costs for six months to support the state’s recovery efforts.