BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Officials in Buncombe County came together for a media briefing Saturday to give the public updates on the situation across western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Speaking to members of the media, County Manager Avril Pinder said this storm was like Buncombe County's own Hurricane Katrina. Katrina famously leveled the gulf coast in 2005, killing over 1,300 people and causing $125 billion total in damages.
According to Pinder, Highway 251 is compromised. She also said most of the area is without water, power and cell service currently.
Two more shelters have been opened at the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Tech Community College. The overnight shelter for general population will be at 16 Ferinhurst Drive, while the emergency medical shelter will be at 10 Genevieve Circle.
Officials are encouraging people NOT TO DRIVE into western North Carolina until the situation has improved. There have been over 150 water rescues carried out in the county already, according to Emergency Services Assistant Director Ryan Cole.
According to officials, the water system in Asheville was greatly damaged by the storm, and extensive repairs are needed. Because of this, a boil water advisory is in place.
The county is working on water distribution sites, and plans to have them up and running Sunday.
The Asheville Police Department has been doing frequent welfare checks with the help of extra staffing. APD said they have also been dealing with looting in the aftermath of the storm, and they have made some arrests relating to looting.
There is no cell phone service in Asheville.
An update was also given on Black Mountain, which now has a 7 p.m. curfew.
Black Mountain's water system is non-operational at this time. Updates will be provided as officials learn more. FEMA assistance is currently en route to the area.
Officials said power might be out for multiple days as crews assess and repair the damages.
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