Running water returns to some areas of Asheville; some western NC students back in school

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Last updated: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 11:43AM GMT
Videos: Hurricane Helene leaves behind widespread damage in NC
Gov. Roy Cooper called Helene the most destructive storm in the history of North Carolina.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's a long road for western North Carolina residents after Hurricane Helene hit the region over a week ago, leaving catastrophic damage.

The death toll has risen to at least 230 across six states. On Thursday, North Carolina officials confirmed the state's death toll at 91, an increase of three from the previous day.

The western part of the state is in ruins from destroyed homes, severe flooding, mudslides, and collapsed roads. Some roads made it challenging to deliver water, food, and other supplies to people. Search and rescue crews from all levels of government were deployed throughout western North Carolina.

Help people affected by Hurricane Helene. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Donate now at redcross.org/abc.

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Oct 13, 2024, 8:30 PM GMT

4 Buncombe County students dead due to Hurricane Helene

Four students in the Buncombe County Schools district have died from the impacts of Helene.

Buncombe County Schools (BCS) Superintendent Rob Jackson confirmed this news Friday during a Board of Education meeting. The names of the students were not released.

"I'm extremely brokenhearted to share that since the storm's arrival, we've also lost four of our students," he said. "In that loss, and in the tragedy, what we have seen is a response, where I believe that we can take pride in and be heartened by, as we've seen neighbor reach out to neighbors, as we've seen the hands come forward to say what can I do for you?"

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Oct 13, 2024, 11:20 AM GMT

App State to resume classes after fall break

Appalachian State University will resume classes after fall break on October 16.

The interim chancellor announced the university, county, town and chamber decided after reporting the infrastructure damaged by Helene is improving.

App State will continue to help students, faculty and staff impacted by Helene.

Officials decided to resume classes on Oct. 16 since the infrastructure damaged by Helene is improving.
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Oct 13, 2024, 11:51 AM GMT

Volunteers bring solar power to Hurricane Helene's disaster zone

Volunteers with the nonprofit Footprint Project and a local solar installation company delivered a solar generator with six 245-watt solar panels, a 24-volt battery and an AC power inverter. The panels now rest on a grassy hill outside the community building.

Read more.

Henry Kovacs, left, and Hayden Wilson, right, volunteers with the Footprint Project, load two Tesla Powerwall batteries to deliver to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Henry Kovacs, left, and Hayden Wilson, right, volunteers with the Footprint Project, load two Tesla Powerwall batteries to deliver to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
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Oct 13, 2024, 2:24 AM GMT

Western Carolina welcomes back spectators with win over Citadel

Western Carolina welcomes back spectators with a 30-16 win over The Citadel. The Catamounts debuted a "Prayers for Western Carolina" helmet sticker while also promoting a "Fill the Truck" effort to load the team equipment truck with fan donations of goods.