How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Struggling to Recover After Helene: Burnsville & Surrounding WNC Towns
WNC -- October 28, 2024: In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina’s picturesque towns are known for
their rugged beauty and resilient communities.
But recent severe storms, flooding, and landslides have left places like Burnsville, Spruce Pine, and Bakersville in dire need of assistance as they grapple with unprecedented damage. Here’s a look at the ongoing challenges these communities face and the crucial help they need to rebuild and prevent future disasters.
Burnsville: A Community Still Reeling from the Storms
Burnsville, a quiet town surrounded by scenic mountain views, is dealing with extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. For many residents, flooding has left basements and lower levels of homes waterlogged, leading to structural damage and persistent mold issues. The cleanup has been both physically and financially overwhelming for many homeowners, with professional cleaning and mold remediation adding unexpected costs.
Road infrastructure in Burnsville has also suffered, especially in rural areas. Washed-out roads and eroded shoulders make it difficult for residents to navigate safely, while emergency responders struggle to reach those in need. The town’s budget is strained, and assistance is needed to stabilize and repair these vital transportation routes.
Local businesses are another key piece of Burnsville’s recovery puzzle. Shops, restaurants, and services in downtown Burnsville rely heavily on tourism, which has waned since the storms. Business owners face the difficult decision of covering costly repairs or temporarily closing their doors. Financial aid is needed to help them bounce back, as they are critical to the town’s economy and employment.
Burnsville’s agricultural sector, consisting mainly of small farms, has also been affected by the storm. Floodwaters washed away topsoil and damaged fencing, rendering some land unusable for the season. Farmers require assistance with replanting and soil restoration to protect their livelihoods and continue providing fresh produce to the community.
Spruce Pine and Bakersville: Facing Infrastructure and Environmental Challenges
In nearby Spruce Pine, just 15 miles from Burnsville, landslides and floods took a heavy toll on roads and public infrastructure. Many of these roads are essential access points for both residents and visitors, who fuel the local economy by shopping, dining, and enjoying Spruce Pine’s mountain views. The town is appealing for funds to repair these roads and to stabilize landslide-prone areas to ensure future accessibility and safety.
In nearby Spruce Pine, just 15 miles from Burnsville, landslides and floods took a heavy toll on roads and public infrastructure. Many of these roads are essential access points for both residents and visitors, who fuel the local economy by shopping, dining, and enjoying Spruce Pine’s mountain views. The town is appealing for funds to repair these roads and to stabilize landslide-prone areas to ensure future accessibility and safety.
Bakersville, another neighboring town, experienced significant residential flooding and landslides, leaving roads inaccessible in several locations. This small community is in need of both immediate financial support and long-term solutions, such as flood barriers and improved drainage systems, to prevent similar disasters in the future. For rural areas that rely on emergency accessibility, these infrastructure improvements are not only necessary but life-saving.
Micaville and Celo: Coping with Rural Disruptions
Micaville, a small community on the outskirts of Burnsville, faced widespread flooding that affected local businesses and residents. Water damage to buildings has left a long cleanup trail, with residents and business owners alike seeking support to repair and restore. Better drainage systems and flood prevention infrastructure would help shield this community from future impacts.
Just south of Burnsville, the village of Celo saw environmental damage from landslides, impacting access to trails and public lands. Celo, known for its farms and outdoor trails, relies heavily on tourism and local agriculture. To recover fully, Celo needs both financial assistance for its farmers and efforts to restore and stabilize trails and mountainous areas.
Little Switzerland and Green Mountain: Mountain Towns Hit Hard
The historic mountain community of Little Switzerland suffered road washouts and landslides, making access a major issue. Businesses in this area, which depend on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway route to attract tourists, are struggling to regain lost revenue. Repairs to mountain roads and landslide prevention measures will be essential to restore these access routes and support the local economy.
Green Mountain, a rural community northwest of Burnsville, faced severe flooding of farmland and damaged infrastructure. Farmers here, like those in other affected areas, require assistance to repair property and replant lost crops. This community could benefit from agricultural grants and soil conservation initiatives to mitigate the effects of future flooding.
Helping These Communities Recover
The path to recovery for Burnsville and its neighboring towns requires coordinated efforts from federal, state, and local organizations. FEMA has provided financial assistance to some homeowners and public infrastructure grants to help rebuild damaged roads and facilities. However, the scale of the destruction has stretched these resources thin, and additional support is needed.
North Carolina Emergency Management has been actively involved, deploying search and rescue teams and managing cleanup efforts. They have also coordinated with local governments to provide emergency shelter and immediate financial aid to impacted families. But, these communities need more long-term resources, including funding for flood control projects, road repair, and landslide prevention.
The American Red Cross has been instrumental in providing shelter, food, and basic health services. Alongside them, local nonprofits like MountainTrue and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina are stepping in with grants and volunteer efforts for clean-up and restoration. Religious and community organizations, too, have organized volunteers and are raising funds for immediate needs.
For the residents and business owners of these small towns, assistance with financial relief, infrastructure support, and long-term disaster preparedness will be essential to rebuild. Volunteers, government agencies, and donations can provide the hope and support these mountain communities need to recover and strengthen against future challenges.
These resilient towns are determined to rebuild, but they can’t do it alone. As recovery efforts continue, they will rely on support from across North Carolina and beyond to restore their homes, businesses, and ways of life amidst the mountains they call home.
WNCTimes
WNCTimes
Image: WNCTimes