In brief
Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction in North Carolina, with families and ecosystems struggling to recover one year later. Cleanup crews have removed tons of debris from affected rivers, yet the impact on local wildlife, particularly endangered species, raises alarms. Residents, some displaced by the storm, adapt and innovate as they rebuild their lives amid ongoing recovery efforts.
WOODFIN, N.C. — Clancy Loorham, a member of the MountainTrue cleanup crew, stood braced against the current of the French Broad River, pulling debris from its depths and peering into a broken piece of PVC pipe as he exclaimed joyously about the catfish he saw inside.
The cleanup efforts, initiated in the wake of Hurricane Helene's destruction, continue to reveal the lasting impacts of the storm. Just a year ago, remnants of the hurricane wreaked havoc across the Southeast, leaving behind flooded landscapes and a plethora of debris.
Helene resulted in over 250 fatalities and approximately $80 billion in damages across multiple states. The unprecedented levels of rain caused rivers to swell, erasing entire landscapes and challenging the local ecosystem.
One year on, teams have removed over 75 tons of debris, but conservationists express concern about the damage done during cleanup operations. Reports state that some cleanup efforts led to damage to sensitive habitats and tree removal, critical for supporting local wildlife.
Residents also face immense challenges as they rebuild. Many families, like that of Vickie and Paul Revis, are still reclaiming their homes and surrounding land after losing everything. They have decided to rebuild on previously owned land, using material retained from cleanup efforts.
“It’s all about adapting and making do with what you have,” Vickie said. “We hope to create a safe space away from the river, where flood insurance helps us prepare for any potential future storms.”
As conservationists work to rectify the damage caused to local ecosystems and educate contractors on protecting wildlife during cleanup, North Carolina's residents continue their journey towards recovery—finding solace in the small victories amidst ongoing challenges.
