Voices After Helene: Reflections on the One-Year Anniversary

Voices After Helene: Reflections on the One-Year Anniversary

One year ago, Western North Carolina was pummeled by Hurricane Helene, claiming 108 lives, displacing families and leaving behind millions of cubic yards of debris that will cost billions to clean up.

The scars from Helene may be slowly healing, but for many people are still working to rebuild their homes, livelihoods and sense of normalcy.

One year later, Blue Ridge Public Radio has been talking to community members about their experiences, what issues rose to the top and where we stand today.

Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Chief Steve Freeman.

Gerard Albert III

BPR News

Helene Recovery

‘I live here, I’ll die here:’ Bat Cave residents dig their heels in for a long road to recovery

Gerard Albert III

BPR spoke with several residents in the rural outpost of Henderson County about recovery of a community that has changed, but that they refuse to abandon.

Featured Stories: Issues and Influences

Photo by Laura Hackett; Graphic by Stephanie Rogers

Flood sirens in WNC could be crucial for safety. Not everyone is convinced.

Laura Hackett

Emergency officials struggled to warn people about the danger of Hurricane Helene – moving ahead, they’re split on how to best keep people safe during future floods.
Stephanie Scarbrough/AP

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AP

Hurricane Helene displaced thousands of students. Some struggled to get back on track with school

Laura Hackett

Blue Ridge Public Radio is collaborating with AP, Honolulu Civil Beat, CalMatters, and Centro de Periodismo Investigativo in Puerto Rico to examine how school communities are recovering from the disruption of natural disasters.