RALEIGH, N.C. — On Tuesday, several days after Helene carved a destructive path through western North Carolina, 800 men incarcerated at Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institute in Sprice Pine have been evacuated to other prisons.
According to the NC Department of Adult Corrections, the evacuation became necessary because of "long timeframes for water and power restoration at the prison."
The 841 male offenders were transferred to seven different prisons:
- Scotland Correctional Institution — Laurinburg
- Tabor Correctional Institution — Tabor City
- Nash Correctional Institution — Nashville
- Eastern Correctional Institution — Maury
- Southern Correctional Institution — Troy
- Maury Correctional Institution — Maury
- Harnett Correctional Institution — Lillington
The NC Department of Adult Corrections said is "taking the appropriate steps to ensure continued health and safety of all staff and offenders."
The day before, on Monday, the department evacuated over 400 female offenders from Western Correctional Center in Swannanoa and Black Mountain Subatance Abuse Treatment Center. They have been sent to:
- Anson Correctional Institution — Polkton
- N.C. Correctional Institution for Women — Raleigh
- North Piedmont Confinement in Response to Violation Center — Lexington
According to the department, the duration of these relocations "will depend on the time required to restore water and power."
If you have been affected by Helene, here's a list of helpful resources.
Looking for ways to support residents of western North Carolina affected by Helene? We've compiled a list of reputable organizations who are already delivering aid, and you can find it here.
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