Buncombe County, NC, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Buncombe County officials marked the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene with a community briefing, reflecting on the loss of lives and extensive damages caused. Chair Amanda Edwards emphasized resilience while County Manager Avril Pinder outlined recovery efforts and ongoing assistance programs. Upcoming remembrance events include art shows and resilience walks to honor victims and support community healing. Despite progress in restoring services, many residents continue facing housing challenges and financial struggles related to the disaster.
Buncombe County Commemorates One Year Since Hurricane Helene with Final Community Briefing and Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Buncombe County officials conducted their final community briefing on Tropical Storm Helene on Wednesday, nearly one year after the storm struck in September 2024. The hurricane resulted in the loss of 43 lives and caused extensive damage to homes and businesses across the region.
Amanda Edwards, Chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, highlighted the community’s resilience and stressed the importance of remembering those who lost their lives in the disaster. County Manager Avril Pinder provided updates on the recovery process, which is centered around six major priorities.
The Helene Resource Center in downtown Asheville and the One Buncombe Call Center remain operational, assisting residents with case management, home repairs, and grant applications. Local leaders are also planning expensive resiliency projects, including a $9-10 million alternate water bypass and the reconstruction of a damaged gate. Funding for these projects is anticipated from FEMA and other government sources.
Progress and Challenges in Recovery
Water systems in the region have been largely restored; however, debris still exists in several reservoirs, posing a potential risk during future storms. Representatives from Asheville, Black Mountain, Montreat, Woodfin, and Biltmore Forest participated in the briefing to share collaborative efforts in the recovery process.
In addition, Sheriff Quentin Miller commended local deputies for prioritizing community safety, even amid personal losses related to the storm. Col. Brad Morgan from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers underscored the extensive debris removal efforts that have been carried out across 18 counties and three cities.
Community Feedback and Plans
Buncombe County is in the process of finalizing its Helene Recovery and Strategic Plan, which is incorporating feedback from over 2,600 residents. Various remembrance events are scheduled throughout the month, including a river blessing, art shows, resilience walks, and a tree giveaway. County offices will open late on September 24 for staff to attend a commemorative breakfast.
Approximately 12,000 properties were reported to have been damaged or destroyed due to Hurricane Helene. Families affected by the storm are encouraged to apply for state assistance programs, including Hazard Mitigation grants aimed at helping them rebuild their homes. So far, 300 individuals have applied for demolition permits, with 100 receiving approval.
Continued Struggles and Housing Concerns
Residents like James Smith, who lost his home to a landslide, expressed concerns about the delayed recovery support and the prolonged challenges of living in temporary housing. County Manager Avril Pinder acknowledged that many rebuilding efforts are still in the application phase, with construction yet to commence.
Reports indicate emotional and financial struggles among residents still reliant on temporary solutions. Only 15% of eligible North Carolina households have applied for federal assistance after the storm, contributing to ongoing hardships. The total estimated cost of Hurricane Helene’s damage in North Carolina stands at approximately $60 billion, nearly double the state’s annual budget.
Despite political challenges regarding emergency funding and response, the community has shown commendable solidarity through mutual aid efforts. However, some residents have voiced concerns that rapid rebuilding efforts may lead to gentrification and potential loss of local character in the affected areas.
Key Statistics
- 43 fatalities linked to Hurricane Helene
- 12,000 properties damaged or destroyed
- Estimated total damage cost: $60 billion
- 15% of eligible households applied for federal assistance
- 300 demolition permit applications submitted
Upcoming Events
- River blessing ceremony
- Art shows
- Resilience walks
- Tree giveaway
FAQ
What was the impact of Hurricane Helene on Buncombe County?
Hurricane Helene resulted in the deaths of 43 individuals and caused substantial damage to approximately 12,000 properties in the region, with an estimated total cost of damage reaching $60 billion.
What recovery efforts are currently underway?
Recovery efforts include ongoing support through the Helene Resource Center and One Buncombe Call Center, as well as the planning of expensive resiliency projects. Families are encouraged to apply for state assistance programs for rebuilding.
What events are planned to commemorate the anniversary of Hurricane Helene?
Several remembrance events including a river blessing, art shows, resilience walks, and tree giveaways are scheduled throughout the month to honor the victims and contribute to community healing.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Helene Aftermath Rebuilding Buncombe County
- 828 News: Buncombe County Officials Reflect on Helene Recovery
- WYFF: Buncombe County Ends Briefings on Hurricane Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene recovery Buncombe County
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
