Isha Sharma
Hurricane Helene has devastated parts of Western North Carolina, leaving many residents isolated due to significant communication blackouts. With more than 120 fatalities reported and hundreds still missing, the region is grappling with collapsed infrastructure, including roads and bridges, which hampers rescue efforts. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reported that over 370 cell sites are down, severely affecting connectivity in areas like Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties, where only 10% of cell towers are operational. This situation has left many families unable to communicate with loved ones, increasing the emotional toll of the disaster.
Impact on Communication Infrastructure
The storm has wreaked havoc on the communication infrastructure in Western North Carolina.
Edward Hinson, the chief marketing and sales officer at SkyLine/SkyBest, described the damage as catastrophic, noting that their facilities were submerged in water.
Many local television and radio stations are offline, exacerbating the lack of information available to residents.
Internet speeds have plummeted, with towns like Waynesville and Hendersonville completely offline.
The destruction has overwhelmed disaster contingency plans, making recovery efforts difficult.
Emotional Toll on Residents
The inability to communicate with family members is adding to the distress of residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
Dee Davis, president of the Center for Rural Strategies, highlighted the powerlessness felt by those unsure of their loved ones’ safety.
The emotional impact of being cut off from communication during such a crisis is profound, as families face the uncertainty of not knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones.
The situation underscores the importance of restoring communication as quickly as possible to aid in recovery and reassurance.
Biden Surveys Hurricane Helene Damage.
President Biden will visit Florida and Georgia on Thursday to assess the damage from Hurricane Helene, which has claimed over 180 lives across six states.
Following his earlier visit to the Carolinas, where he witnessed the extensive destruction, Biden aims to reassure residents and emphasise unity, stating, “There are no red or blue states.”
He will meet with local officials, first responders, and affected residents while announcing the deployment of 1,000 soldiers from Fort Liberty to assist with relief efforts.
Vice President Harris also visited Georgia to support families and volunteers impacted by the hurricane.
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