The US Department of Transportation has provided an initial$ 100 million in emergency aid to North Carolina for the repair of damaged roads and bridges caused by Hurricane Helene.
According to CBS News, this money is billed as the first step in a larger national effort to assist the state in recovering from the hurricane’s popular destruction, ensuring that urgent transportation links can be repaired.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating,” We are providing this first round of money so there’s no delay getting streets repaired and reopened, and re-establishing important routes”. He assured the general public that the Biden-Harris administration may continue to provide more resources to help North Carolina recover completely from the surprise.
Hurricane Helene has left a path of death, with extreme flooding reported across several cities and at least 229 confirmed mortality, including 116 in North Carolina only. The storm dumped more than 8 inches of rain on elements of the state’s western hills, with some places seeing over a foot, causing widespread damage. In consequence, hundreds of roads are still closed, and main roads like Interstate 40 have been obstructed by mudslides, making relief efforts even more difficult.
Western North Carolina is now seeing a rise in air traffic as a result of the tide’s aftermath, with rescue groups searching the area from above for survivors. The intensity of the relief efforts has increased by 300 % in the area since the storm subsided, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
In addition to network damage, many homes have been destroyed, leaving some residents poor. One such unique, Alvin Stiles from Morganton, North Carolina, lost his house to waters and is now living in a tent. Despite the hardship, Stiles expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received,” I did n’t know there were so many people that care… it’s been overwhelming”, quoted CBS News.
Areas working together to help those in need are ongoing efforts to provide help. In Asheville, people who have been affected by the crisis, together with individuals, gathered at a local high school on Saturday where hot dishes were served. Diane Fair, one of the victims, was quoted by CBS News saying,” There is no reason to hold my head down, God is still in the working business, and I’m blessed to be here”.
President Biden likewise visited the Carolinas before in the week, surveying the storm damage from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. He made the announcement that the federal government would pay for the state’s recovery efforts to support the state’s recovery work by reimbursing 100 % of the cost of wreckage removal and crisis protection for six months.
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