Asheville Faces Crisis After Hurricane Helene's Devastation

In Asheville, North Carolina, residents are facing severe challenges following Hurricane Helene, which brought unprecedented flooding, described by locals as the worst in over a century. The disaster has left the entire town without running water or electricity, forcing people to rely on bottled water brought in by relief efforts. Emergency shelters are at maximum capacity, leaving many without a safe place to stay, exacerbating the plight of those already on the verge of homelessness. The humanitarian crisis is amplified by the potential for crime, including looting, as people fear for their safety amid the darkened streets. Authorities have also warned the public about disaster relief scams, urging vigilance when seeking assistance online. Amid ongoing search and rescue missions, the death toll is expected to rise significantly as victims continue to be recovered from the floodwaters and area morgues fill to capacity. As the community grapples with the immediate aftermath, the need for coordinated relief efforts becomes increasingly urgent to address both the visible and hidden consequences of the disaster.