Hurricane Helene Devastates North Carolina, Causing Record $53 Billion in Damages
Hurricane Helene has left a trail of unprecedented destruction across western North Carolina, with estimated damages and recovery needs soaring to at least $53 billion, shattering the state’s previous record of $17 billion set by Hurricane Florence in 2018. Governor Roy Cooper has declared Helene the deadliest and most damaging storm in North Carolina’s history, with 96 deaths reported and historic levels of rain and flooding.
The catastrophic impact of Helene is evident in the extensive damage to infrastructure and property. Over 1,400 landslides have occurred, and more than 160 water and sewer systems have been compromised. The storm has damaged over 6,000 miles of roads and more than 1,000 bridges and culverts. An estimated 126,000 homes have been affected, with 220,000 households expected to apply for federal assistance.
In response to the crisis, Governor Cooper has requested $3.9 billion from the General Assembly for immediate repairs and revitalization efforts. This request is considered a “down payment” for future recovery initiatives. The state has already approved a $273 million package to provide flexibility to state agencies and displaced residents. Currently, 39 of the state’s 100 counties fall within the federally declared disaster area.
The Republican-controlled legislature plans to convene a session to advance additional recovery legislation, though specifics have not been disclosed as of late Wednesday. It is unlikely that Cooper’s full request will be passed in the upcoming session. Legislators are expected to reconvene on November 19 to further address the crisis.
Projected costs for recovery are staggering, with $48.8 billion in direct or indirect damages and $4.8 billion anticipated for mitigation expenses. The federal government is expected to cover $13.6 billion, while private and other sources may contribute $6.3 billion. However, most losses are unlikely to be recovered due to low insurance coverage in the affected areas.
Governor Cooper’s recovery plan includes $475 million for a two-phase business recovery program, $289 million in matching funds for federal utility repair and debris removal, and $225 million for grants to farmers with uninsured losses. Additionally, $100 million has been allocated for public school and community college needs, and $325 million to aid homeowners and renters with immediate rebuilding and repairs.
The state faces significant challenges in securing and managing recovery funds. Delays in federal funding for previous hurricanes Florence and Matthew have prompted a request for an additional $175 million to cover remaining repairs from these storms. Rising construction costs, labor shortages, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have been cited as factors contributing to the funding shortfall.
Senate Republicans have criticized the management of recovery funds from previous storms, and an oversight committee is scheduled to investigate the matter next month. As North Carolina grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the state faces a long and costly road to recovery, testing its resilience and resources in the wake of this historic disaster.
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