In brief
A year after Hurricane Helene, people in North Carolina are still recovering from its devastating impact. Volunteers wade through rivers to clean debris, while conservationists express concern for local wildlife. The cleanup efforts highlight both the community's resilience and ongoing environmental challenges.
WOODFIN, N.C. (AP) — Standing in the waist-deep waters of the French Broad River, Clancy Loorham, a 27-year-old cleanup volunteer, pulled a broken PVC pipe from the riverbed, announcing excitedly that he had spotted a catfish trapped inside. It's a reminder of the storm's destructive impact and the myriad of debris littering the river from last year's Hurricane Helene.
Just one year ago, Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding across parts of the Southeast U.S., leading to significant loss of life and totaling nearly $80 billion in damages. In North Carolina, the once calm streams transformed into torrents, completely reshaping the landscape and carrying away homes and vehicles.
This week, Loorham was one of many volunteers working with the conservation group MountainTrue as they continue the difficult work of cleaning the river. Through kayaks and canoes, they’ve removed tons of plastic pipes and other items that may pose threats to wildlife in the area.
Helene’s aftermath prompted further complications for local ecosystems. A year into recovery, complaints surfaced regarding cleanup efforts that worsened environmental degradation. Some contractors hastily removed debris without considering the ecological impact, damaging critical habitats for species like the eastern hellbender and Appalachian elktoe mussel, both of which are endangered.
As cleanup efforts proceed, both human and wildlife communities attempt to adapt and rebuild. Residents like Vickie and Paul Revis, who lost their home to the storm, are now rebuilding with the help of donations and flood insurance, hoping never to face such a disaster again.
While the cleanup crews head back into the water, dodging floating debris, the work continues—reflecting the community's resilience in the face of nature's unyielding forces.
