North Carolina Family Continues to Heal One Year After Hurricane Helene Devastation

Ongoing Recovery Efforts: A Year After Hurricane Helene’s Devastation in North Carolina

BURNSVILLE, N.C. – Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Helene transitioned from a powerful hurricane to a tropical storm, wreaking havoc across Western North Carolina. The storm, which made landfall on September 27, 2024, has since been linked to significant destruction, leaving over 74,000 homes damaged and incurring an estimated billion in losses, as reported by the governor’s office.

In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, numerous families are still grappling with the long-term effects of the disaster. Among them is the Keele family, who reflects on the past year as one of relentless recovery. “My entire 20th year of life has been recovering from a storm,” said Amiyah Keele, encapsulating the emotional toll the disaster has taken on her and her family.

Currently, the Keeles reside in a camper positioned on a family member’s property in Burnsville, a town that has faced its share of challenges since the disaster. Their home was inundated with approximately four feet of water, forcing them to evacuate under harrowing conditions. “The water was too high and too fast; we just made it out,” Amiyah recalled, describing the desperate escape through the floodwaters alongside neighbors.

The initial response to the hurricane left much of the region in communication and utility crises, with many families left without cell service, electricity, or running water for an extended period. “We went about a week without knowing if anyone we knew was safe,” Amiyah added, emphasizing the emotional strain of uncertainty.

As national attention turned toward the recovery efforts, volunteers from around the country mobilized to provide assistance. In the days following the storm, a distribution center was established close to the Keeles’ residence, accessible only by foot. The family volunteered daily to aid in relief efforts, underscoring a strong sense of community resilience.

After several days without adequate shelter, the Keeles received tents from volunteers. They lived in these structures for nearly a month while nearby recovery operations began to take shape. As support poured in, nonprofit organizations provided crucial resources, including a new car and generators, enhancing the family’s ability to cope with ongoing obstacles.

The transition into a donated camper offered some improvements, yet the challenges of living without power or running water were still prevalent. “It didn’t have power or water, but it was better than a tent,” Jessica Keele expressed appreciatively, showcasing the family’s adaptability in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships, they have received additional sheds for storage, while remnants of their previous life, including damaged appliances, remain outside their flooded home.

The family continues to navigate their recovery journey with a spirit of gratitude. “Samaritan’s Purse is great; they came and mucked out the house,” Jessica noted, reflecting on the support they have received. A poignant reminder of hope hangs in their camper: a wooden sign that reads, “So this is not Home Sweet Home…ADJUST!” This simple yet powerful message symbolizes their resilience and commitment to moving forward.

As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches, the Keeles find themselves in a complex situation. “We’re actually doing great compared to some people,” Jessica said, channeling an awareness of their relative fortune amid widespread struggles. Amiyah intervened, stating candidly, “And we’re still struggling,” underscoring the ongoing challenges many families like theirs continue to face as the recovery efforts unfold.

As Western North Carolina seeks to rebuild and heal, the story of the Keelee family serves as a testament to the resilience of individuals and communities in the aftermath of natural disasters.