Freezing temperatures add to the struggles of Hurricane Helene survivors in North Carolina
In western North Carolina, where people are still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Helene, the cold is making things even tougher. Phillip Barrier, the manager of Avery County, said it’s so cold that “it hurts to breathe.” That’s a pretty serious statement about how frigid it is out there.
Avery County is quite a distance from where Helene hit in Perry, Florida, but the aftermath is still being felt. The storm caused flooding and landslides, damaging over 70,000 homes in North Carolina. Many residents are now living in trailers or tents, which is far from ideal, especially with this cold snap.
Barrier expressed concern for those who need better housing. It’s a tough situation, and you can’t help but worry about people struggling to stay warm.
Deedee Buckner is one of those affected. She’s living in a donated camper that’s so cold it freezes the pipes. It’s parked right outside her home, which is unlivable. She calls the camper her home, saying, “I wanna be home even if it means staying in the camper.” That really shows her resilience.
President Trump is planning to visit the area soon, and some locals are hopeful he’ll bring the help they need. Chris Murphy and Tracy Farlow, residents of Canton, believe he can make a difference. They feel let down by FEMA and are looking for more substantial support. It’s a tough time, and people are doing their best, but they definitely need more help to get through this.
