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One week later, Asheville is on the slow road to recovery from Helene

There have been 72 recorded deaths in Buncombe County, according to officials.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The city of Asheville is on the slow road to recovery.

It's been exactly one week since we were in the thick of the storm, and the damage left behind is unexplainable.

Buncombe County officials say 72 people have died in its county alone due to Hurricane Helene.

A curfew is still in effect in Ashville from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Asheville police say hotel accommodations are limited and fuel availability may vary across the city.

The county asks people to avoid river areas due to the overwhelming amount of debris. Hazardous material testing has been requested for the area through the state emergency operations center.

AT&T has set up a public mobile connectivity station at Sam’s Club, 645 Patton Ave, in Asheville, offering charging stations and service for calls.

Two new water and food distribution sites have opened to help those in need. One is at Cane Creek Middle, 570 Lower Brush Creek Road, in Fletcher and the other is at Leicester Elementary, 31 Gilbert Road, in Leicester. Both locations are open from noon to 4 p.m. providing water and ready-to-eat meals.

Other locations include Estes Elementary, Sand Hill Elementary, North Windy Ridge, Fairview Elementary, and the Black Mountain Ingles.

A relief supply warehouse is set up at 6 Commerce Way, in Arden. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Needed items include:

  • Non-perishable food
  • Bottled water
  • Clean-up supplies
  • Paper goods like toilet paper
  • Baby supplies including formula
  • Pet supplies
  • Personal care items

Free Wi-Fi is available at North Asheville Library and other local libraries, including Pack Memorial, Enka-Candler, and West Asheville.

MedVet Asheville opens today, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Credit: Amber Lake - WFMY
A Moe's Southwest Grill in Asheville faced severe structural damage from Helene.
Credit: Amber Lake - WFMY
Downed power lines and trees turned on their sides line the streets of Asheville as leftover remnants of Helene's destruction to the city.

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