I know this isn’t the usual content you’d expect on Knobulism, but this week I’m diverging from our regular programming. Asheville, my home, has been hit hard by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The flooding and damage have affected many in our community, and while we usually talk synths and music here, today I want to take a moment to reflect on what’s happening in my town and share some resources for those in need.
On Thursday night and into Friday morning, Asheville was hit by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, bringing heavy rain, flash flooding, and widespread power outages. The storm’s impact was felt most acutely in lower-lying areas, where roads were submerged, homes were damaged, and many residents were forced to evacuate. There are still over 200 people missing in the Ashville area and tragically, 72 confirmed dead. Rescue efforts continue as authorities search for those still unaccounted for. If you know of anyone missing or have concerns, please contact local authorities immediately. To report a missing person, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ovyjJ9zfdUcJVHDw6
While parts of the city’s infrastructure have been severely affected, many residents, especially those on higher ground, are thankfully safe. However, large portions of the region are still without power water and other basic services, and the clean-up and recovery efforts are expected to take time. Water may not be restored for weeks.
Local authorities have been working tirelessly to restore power, clear debris, and ensure that affected areas receive necessary aid. Emergency shelters have been set up, and volunteers from neighboring communities are stepping in to help. Despite the challenges, the Asheville community has shown its resilience and determination to recover and rebuild after this unprecedented flooding event.
While I’m currently in New York, my thoughts are very much with my Asheville neighbors. My own home, thankfully, is safe, but I’m keeping close tabs on when it might be okay to return. If you’re in the area, please stay safe, and reach out for any support you may need.
Resources for Assistance and Updates:
- Asheville Emergency Management Recovery Resources Official site for local recovery updates, safety alerts, and emergency information.
- FEMA Disaster Assistance Apply for federal aid if you’ve been affected by the flooding.
- AVL Watchdog Local news and updates on the situation in Asheville.
- Asheville Reddit Mega Thread on Helene Recovery Community-sourced resources, updates, and discussions on relief efforts.
- NCDOT Travel Information For road closures and updates on travel conditions due to the storm.
- Duke Energy Outage Map Check for power outages and restoration updates.
