Hurricane Helene devastates Chimney Rock, North Carolina

In September 2023, Hurricane Helene swept through the southeastern United States, inflicting devastating damage particularly in Chimney Rock, North Carolina. The town, a popular tourist destination, was left unrecognizable, and many residents faced extensive property damage. Town Mayor Peter O'Leary highlighted the destruction, stating, 'It destroyed the village; it took away the old Chimney Rock.' The storm also blocked roads, making the town inaccessible to all except its residents. Seven months following the hurricane, recovery efforts are ongoing with assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), who have been integral in clearing debris and rebuilding infrastructures like water, sewer services, and electrical lines. Over 2,000 volunteers have participated in these recovery efforts, showcasing community support to restore the town. Despite the efforts, local business owners expressed skepticism about a quick recovery, indicating that many businesses would require significant time to rebuild. Resident Lidya Gongage noted the severity of the damage, stating, 'I think it'll be a two-year recovery.' In Lake Lure, another affected area, the cleanup process is similarly laborious, with USACE continuing to lead recovery work and remove debris from waterways. The Army Corps has cleared more than 5 million cubic yards of debris to date, but the challenges persist as many homes and businesses remain uninhabitable. The town relies heavily on contractors and volunteers to support ongoing clean-up efforts, indicating the scale of devastation caused by the hurricane, which was more than towns had prepared for. As of now, community leaders are optimistic that, through the combined efforts of volunteers and governmental agencies, the town will be ready to welcome tourists back by midsummer 2024. However, the mayor anticipates significant changes in the town’s landscape, largely due to the extensive damage that altered its geography. The recovery plan aims to restore access and promote tourism once more, following a challenging period that transformed Chimney Rock from a bustling vacation hotspot to a site of destruction.