Hurricane Helene Devastates Downtown Spruce Pine, Community Rallies for Recovery
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Spruce Pine, NC (WNN)- Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding in downtown Spruce Pine last month, with water rising 8.5 feet above the streets and forcing many businesses to shut down. In less than a day, the storm turned the town’s historic downtown into a muddy mess, with the river rising over 30 feet above its usual level. Three weeks later, businesses on Lower Street are struggling to rebuild, and essential services like electricity, water, and internet are still unreliable.
Devastating Impact
“No one was expecting this,” said Katie Elkins, media and marketing coordinator for Downtown Spruce Pine. The water rose approximately 20 feet between Thursday evening and Friday morning, reaching levels about 30 feet above the river’s normal stage.
Flood Damage
The flooding left six inches of mud throughout much of downtown, with depths reaching 15 inches in some areas of the local park. Debris-filled water caused extensive damage to businesses along Lower Street, which Elkins describes as “the lifeblood of Spruce Pine.”
Recovery Efforts
A nonprofit fund has been established to assist affected businesses. “Our director, Spencer Bost, is currently trying to garner larger-scale funding and get information to the business owners,” Elkins said. “We need our businesses here on Lower Street.”
Volunteer Response
The community has received support from across North America, including 700 linemen from Canada and volunteers from states including Texas, California, Maine, and Washington. These volunteers helped clear debris and clean buildings in the immediate aftermath.
Infrastructure Challenges
Basic services remain limited in the area. “We don’t have internet, we don’t have power,” Elkins noted. “We just got water back.” Cell phone service continues to be unreliable in much of the affected area.
How To Help
If you want to support recovery efforts, you can donate through DiscoverSprucePineNC.com or find Downtown Spruce Pine on Facebook. “Any contribution level is so appreciated,” Elkins said, emphasizing that monetary donations are currently the most crucial form of assistance.
Donations
Supporting local communities is essential for their growth and resilience. By making donations to organizations in need, you can help initiatives like those from NC Main Street and Planning, which focus on improving downtown areas and promoting local businesses. Your contributions provide valuable resources for small shops, improve public spaces, and assist local entrepreneurs, ultimately creating a brighter future for everyone. To learn more about how your donations can make a difference, visit https://www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/.
How to Apply for Funding
To apply for funding through the NC Disaster Relief Fund, established by United Way of North Carolina, individuals and families affected by disasters can start by visiting the fund’s website. The application process is designed to provide essential support for urgent needs like food, shelter, and medical care. Applicants should gather the necessary documents and details about their situation to ensure a smooth application. By accessing this fund, you can receive the financial assistance needed to help rebuild your life after an emergency. For more information on how to apply, visit https://www.unitedwaync.org/nc-disaster-relief-fund-helene
For more WNN video news stories, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wisenewsnetwork.
For more WNN articles and news stories, visit: https://wisenewsnetwork.com
Contact WNN at [email protected]
Copyright 2024 Wise News Network. All rights reserved.
