Rural Community Perspectives on Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina

Abstract

Introduction: After making landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast in September 2024, Hurricane Helene impacted Western North Carolina (WNC) with historic flooding, landslides, and hurricane-force winds. More than 100 deaths in the region were attributed to the storm's direct impacts. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess community perspectives of long-term recovery in Mitchell and Yancey Counties, two rural WNC counties severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Methods: A 14-question interview guide was developed based on prior disaster research and the community engagement work of Sustaining Essential and Rural Community Healthcare (SEARCH). Questions covered post-Helene experiences related to access to food, shelter, transportation, and health care as well as the successes and challenges to the coordination of multiple groups around hurricane response and recovery. Key informants in the two counties were invited to participate in an in-person interview. Recordings were inductively coded to identify themes. Results: Five themes were identified through analysis of 16 interview transcripts. These included (1) housing issues exacerbated by the storm, (2) challenges with communication during and after the storm, (3) challenges with transportation, (4) mental health impacts, and (5) food insecurity. Implications: As inland flooding associated with wetter tropical cyclones becomes more severe, the populations at risk of health and other impacts of this flooding will grow. Even in areas well-prepared and well-resourced for emergency response, the failure of essential infrastructure such as communications and transportation will limit effectiveness of response and recovery. Rural areas are at particular risk due to limited alternatives such as public transportation, affordable short-term housing, and limited access to broadband and Wi-Fi.