Latest information on Helene's recovery and death toll

(This article is being updated. Read our previous coverage here.)

More areas of western North Carolina began moving into recovery mode Wednesday after Tropical Storm Helene devastated communities, left roads impassable and thousands without power. Many local and state officials warned residents, saying a return to normal would take weeks, not days. The full extent of Helene’s devastation will probably not be known for some time.

Check back for live updates arriving throughout the day on Thursday.

The University of North Carolina at Asheville campus will remain closed until at least Oct. 14 and classes are not expected to resume until Oct. 28 due to a lack of electricity, running water and internet, Chancellor Kimberly van Noort said in a statement October announcement. 1 update.

All traditional university operations are suspended and only essential staff are allowed on campus, but van Noort clarified that the school is not closed this semester as academic continuity planning is in the works and more information will follow as assessments continue become.

“We have heard from many members of our extended UNC Asheville community who are eager to support our campus,” van Noort said in the update posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. “Your expressions of solidarity and generous offers of help are greatly appreciated. As we continue to assess our needs and recovery efforts, a UNC Asheville Disaster Relief Fund has been established. Your contributions will support the entire campus community.”

The UNCA Disaster Relief Fund is available at giving.unca.edu.

— Employee reports

By the end of Wednesday, the death toll in western North Carolina was at least 73 people, officials reported.

Sheriff Quentin Miller said Buncombe County added four new deaths Wednesday afternoon, bringing the total to 61.

To date, in addition to the deaths in Buncombe, six deaths have been confirmed in Henderson County, one in Macon County and five in Avery County.

Health checks continued across the region.

– Staff reportS

Buncombe County provided a comprehensive update Wednesday evening that included details on shelters, water, food distribution, law enforcement and other recovery information.

The update also included information specific to Asheville and Weaverville.

Here you can find out everything you need to know:

Shelter updates

A new general housing facility has opened in the former Gold’s Gym, 1815 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. It has a playroom for children, making it ideal for families. No pets are allowed.
A general shelter is also available at the AB Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Drive in Asheville. Use the Victoria Road entrance.
An emergency medical shelter, 10 Genevieve Circle in Asheville, remains available for those in need of medical supplies.
Housing at the WNC Agricultural Center is full.

Power outages

Duke Energy reports that 91,000 customers remain without power. The utility expects most of what can be restored to be back online Friday. Repairing two flooded substations in Swannanoa will take months. But mobile substations will soon arrive to deal with the situation. WiFi is now available at the Enka Candler Public Library. Use the password “readmore”.

Donations from BeLoved Asheville: Donations are no longer accepted on this website.

Weaverville update

A boiling recommendation applies, please save water. If you can’t boil water, add 8 drops of bleach to a gallon of water. Water distribution will take place at North Windy Ridge Intermediate School, 20 Doan Road in Weaverville. Bring your own water containers.

Pantry items and water will be available Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Drive in Weaverville. Donations will be accepted from 3 to 4 p.m

Garbage collection will resume on October 7th. A Mobile PNC Bank ATM is located on Weaver Boulevard. T-Mobile is setting up a Wi-Fi and phone charging area behind Tractor Supply, 14 Monticello Road in Weaverville.

Asheville update

Toilet flushing water is available at the Asheville JCC Pool, 40 Clyde Street, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Enter from Clyde Street and drive to the pool gate on North Crescent Street.

Water system

Water restoration work continues as many roads are inaccessible for repair work.

Water treatment plants

The William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant is not accessible. North Carolina Department of Transportation personnel are on site rebuilding the road to this facility. Once road repairs are complete, people and equipment can be brought to the site to begin repairs to the facility.
The Mills River Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating and providing water to some residents. The facility is currently undergoing repairs and crews are working to bring the facility to full capacity as quickly as possible.
The North Fork Water Treatment Plant is operational but is not supplying water because there is no water available from the reservoir for treatment. Reservoir water has a high degree of turbidity and cannot be used. The facility is currently accessible and appropriate repairs are being made.

Distribution systems

The damage to the water distribution systems is extensive. Even when the facilities are operational, water cannot be delivered to the community if distribution systems are not available. The teams carry out repairs in inaccessible places as quickly as possible.

Law Enforcement Update

The Asheville Police Department (APD) is staffed with full patrol staff. Many officers are working overtime to ensure security. The APD also receives support from other police departments. Tasks include guarding food and distribution points, critical infrastructure, medical facilities, as well as drone and search operations, recovering the bodies of our neighbors who have lost their lives, welfare checks and family reunification.

A reminder that when the traffic lights at an intersection don’t work, a four-way stop occurs.

The curfew remains in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m

— Employee reports

Latest information on Helene’s recovery and death toll

ByJasper

By Jasper

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