The Fading Memory of Disaster: Why We Can’t Forget Western North Carolina

In the wake of a disaster, the world’s attention is captured. News outlets broadcast constant updates, social media feeds overflow with support, and aid pours in from all corners. But as the days turn into weeks, that attention inevitably wanes. The 24-hour news cycle moves on, social media finds a new cause, and the affected region fades from the public consciousness.

This pattern is all too familiar, and it’s a problem we’re seeing play out once again in Western North Carolina.

The Crisis in Western North Carolina

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall, unleashing torrential rains, high winds, and severe flooding across much of Western North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Mountains, known for their beauty, became the stage for a natural disaster as overflowing rivers and landslides destroyed homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. The storm caused widespread power outages, leaving tens of thousands without electricity and running water or sewage. Emergency services are struggling to reach remote, flood-isolated areas.

Communities such as Asheville, Boone, and hundreds of smaller towns and communities throughout the mountain region have been severely impacted, with historic downtowns inundated and agricultural areas devastated. While the immediate aftermath brought a flurry of national attention, the long-term recovery will be a greater challenge.

The Danger of Forgetting

When we forget about disasters too quickly, we risk:

1. Abandoning recovery efforts: While FEMA and local agencies have rushed to provide initial relief, full recovery for Western North Carolina will take years. Rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods can’t happen overnight. When public attention fades, so does the pressure on officials to maintain funding and resources.
2. Missing opportunities for change: The destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene exposed systemic vulnerabilities, including outdated infrastructure and a lack of preparedness for extreme weather in the region. Forgetting too soon means losing the opportunity to address these issues and build a more resilient future.
3. Leaving communities vulnerable: Without continued attention, Western North Carolina may not receive the resources needed to rebuild in ways that protect against future disasters. Investments in flood control, resilient infrastructure, and emergency services are essential to ensuring the safety of these communities going forward.
4. Perpetuating inequality: Rural and lower-income communities in Western North Carolina were hit hardest by the storm. These areas already face economic struggles, and forgetting about their recovery could exacerbate existing inequalities and leave the most vulnerable behind.

Why Western North Carolina Deserves Our Continued Attention

Western North Carolina is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. But it also faces unique challenges, including economic hardship, reliance on tourism, and a fragile ecosystem that is increasingly at risk from climate change. Hurricane Helene has only added to these challenges, making sustained national support essential. By keeping Western North Carolina in the national conversation, we can:

• Ensure continued support for recovery efforts, including federal and state aid for rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure
• Advocate for policies that address the region’s long-standing issues, such as investment in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather
• Raise awareness about the challenges faced by Appalachian and rural communities across the United States, who often struggle to recover in the face of disasters
• Foster national solidarity with the people of Western North Carolina, reminding us all that disasters are not just local events but national concerns

What We Can Do

1. Stay informed: Keep following news and updates on the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. Local outlets such as The Asheville Citizen-Times, Blue Ridge Public Radio, The Watauga Democrat can provide valuable insights because they are boots on the ground.
2. Share stories: Use social media to keep the conversation going. Amplify the voices of those affected and share reports of the ongoing recovery efforts.
3. Contact representatives: Urge lawmakers to prioritize Western North Carolina’s recovery, pushing for long-term funding for disaster relief, infrastructure upgrades, and environmental protections.
4. Support local organizations: Contribute to local charities like the Western North Carolina Community Foundation or volunteer with organizations providing on-the-ground aid.
5. Visit BUT ONLY AFTER TRAVEL IS APPROVED AGAIN: Once it’s safe, consider supporting the region’s recovery through tourism. Many towns in Western North Carolina depend on visitor dollars, and your support can help their economic recovery.

Western North Carolina’s challenges after Hurricane Helene won’t disappear in a few news cycles. As a nation, we have a responsibility to ensure that our attention and support don’t vanish either. Keeping Western North Carolina in our thoughts and actions can help build a more resilient and prosperous future for the region.

Let’s commit to remembering, not just in the immediate aftermath of disaster, but for the long haul. Western North Carolina – and all disaster-affected communities – deserve nothing less.