Rainstorm Devastates Bridges in Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath
Avery County, North Carolina, already grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, suffered another setback on Sunday. Over three inches of rain washed away nearly a dozen footbridges, cutting off emergency access for more than 20 residents, county officials reported.
The footbridges, built by volunteers after the September 26 hurricane, served as temporary emergency routes after the original vehicle bridges were destroyed. Their loss underscores the continued challenges faced by the mountainous county with a population of 18,000.
Emergency Services Hindered
Avery County Manager Phillip Barrier confirmed that first responders now face significant barriers in reaching certain residents. “There are several people that we can’t get emergency access to,” Barrier said.
These limitations add to the difficulties for a community where over 400 residents remain displaced and around 120 homes were destroyed or severely damaged by the hurricane.
Recovery Efforts Slow and Uneven
The county’s recovery has been a protracted process. Temporary housing, debris removal, and riverbank restoration are ongoing but far from complete. Many displaced residents are staying in hotels, with relatives, or in campers on their properties.
“It’s been super slow,” Barrier admitted, describing the uneven pace of recovery efforts. “It’s been normal in some areas but far from normal in others.”
Local Groups and Volunteers Stretched Thin
Bridges for Avery, a volunteer organization that built the now-washed-away structures, expressed concern for stranded families. Founder Robin Ollis highlighted the hardships faced by families with children and elderly residents.
“There’s been sadness and confusion about the recovery efforts,” Ollis said. “People are struggling to come to terms with what’s happened to their hometowns.”
Wider Impact of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene left a devastating trail across the Southeast, claiming at least 223 lives—about half in North Carolina. In western North Carolina, tens of thousands were displaced, with the federal government spending $500 million on cleanup efforts.
In Avery County, entire blocks of homes were wiped out, and abandoned waterlogged vehicles still litter the area. Nearby Buncombe County is facing an economic downturn, with an estimated $600 million loss in winter tourism revenue. Over 100 small businesses in Asheville have shuttered due to infrastructure damage and reduced income.
The Road Ahead
As Avery County continues to rebuild, the loss of the bridges serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. Residents and officials alike remain hopeful but acknowledge that the road to recovery is far from over.
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