BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — While a lot of the attention in the wake of Helene has gone toward Asheville, the smaller communities in Buncombe County are working to recover after the devastating storm.
In Black Mountain, the police department says some parts of town finally have power, and they are optimistic other spots will be restored soon.
That said, the entire town of Black Mountain is still under a state of emergency. Police have set up a supply distribution spot at the Ingles on NC 9. But due to limited supplies, a max of one gallon of water is being given to each family.
CBS News has reported that at least 40 people in Buncombe County have died from Helene, the most of any county in North Carolina.
WFMY News 2 reporter Amber Lake was in Black Mountain on Monday and saw first-hand the amount of damage the storm caused. At one point, she arrived at a drainage ditch filled with debris, including a Toyota Highlander with its back end barely sticking out.
In nearby Montreat, the impact was just as catastrophic. Three bridges in the town were damaged by the storm, but they are now passable.
The entire student body of Montreat College was also evacuated. There are no longer any students on campus.
Both areas are still without water. There is no timeline for when it might return, but there are still ways for residents to get water if they don't have access currently.
The Asheville Regional Airport is serving as a distribution site for water.
In Asheville, there are water distribution sites located at Asheville Middle School on 211 S. French Broad Ave. and Pack Square Park at 70 Court Plaza.
The following is a list of open pharmacies in Buncombe County
- CVS/pharmacy, 505 SMOKEY PARK HWY. ASHEVILLE NC 28806, (828)667-5457
- CVS/pharmacy, 324 LONG SHOALS ROAD, ARDEN NC 28704, (828)654-0812
- Pinnacle Apothecary Candler, Buncombe County, 1388 Sand Hill Rd, Set 100, Candler, NC 28715, (828) 761-6244 “Phone isn’t working currently, so come by. Hours M-F 10-4 until we resume power, then normal hrs M-F 8-6"
- PSA Pharmacy/Associated Pharmacy Services, Inc., 2294 US Hwy 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778, (828) 686-3804, Open but with no internet access
- Publix Pharmacy, 1830 Hendersonville Rd. Asheville NC 28803, (828) 274-6293; hours Saturday 9AM-7PM; Sunday 11AM-6PM; Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM
- Publix Pharmacy, 165 Weaver Blvd. Weaverville NC 28787, (828) 658-1053; hours Saturday 9AM-7PM; Sunday 11AM-6PM; Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM
- Walgreens, 2501 Hendersonville RD, ARDEN NC 28704, (828)684-5375, Cash Only
- Walgreens, 1835 Hendersonville RD, ASHEVILLE NC 28803, (828)274-7560, Cash Only
If you are having trouble reaching a loved one in Black Mountain, Montreat or elsewhere in western North Carolina, you can call 211 or text PERSON to 40403.
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.
If you would like to donate online to the American Red Cross, you can use the following link: WFMY News 2 is supporting the American Red Cross.