Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, residents in Asheville are facing a severe shortage of drinking water due to extensive damage to the city’s water infrastructure. Thousands are left without access to clean water, power, and essential services, with repairs estimated to take weeks.
The aftermath of Helene has led to power outages, flooding, and the loss of life, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in the United States since Katrina in 2005. The destruction of water utilities has left over 136,000 people without operational water providers and over 1.8 million under boil water advisories in the Southeast.
Communities like Asheville are struggling to rebuild their water systems amidst difficult geography and limited access points. Many residents are resorting to collecting non-potable water from sources like swimming pools for basic household needs as they deal with the health risks associated with contaminated water.
As the region grapples with the extensive damage caused by the hurricane, federal officials and local authorities are working to restore water and power supplies while providing support to those affected. The long-term implications of the storm serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for increased investment in infrastructure resilience to mitigate the impact of climate change-related extreme weather events.
Residents like Travis Edwards are adapting to the water crisis by devising innovative ways to conserve water and maintain basic hygiene practices. The ongoing relief efforts highlight the importance of community resilience and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
Source
Photo credit www.boston.com