Tens of thousands of North Carolina residents remained without running water on Wednesday, six days after Hurricane Helene hit Florida and caused widespread destruction in much of the Southeastern U.S., resulting in over 180 deaths.
The powerful storm brought severe flooding to the western part of the state, damaging pipes, water treatment plants, and cutting off power supplies.
On Wednesday, about one-fifth of the 1 million residents in western North Carolina either had no water or were experiencing low water pressure, according to a state database. Additionally, approximately 1 million homes and businesses across five states were still without electricity, according to Poweroutage.us.
In Asheville, which was severely affected, the municipal water supply system serving over 150,000 people was significantly damaged. Many residents were warned that they might not have running water for days or even weeks while repairs were made. Those who did have water were advised to boil it before use.
On Wednesday, many people flocked to Pack Square Park, where the city set up a hub for distributing food and water.
Volunteers set up a makeshift tap system using PVC pipes connected to a tanker truck to provide drinking water. Nearby, they distributed ready-to-eat meals and plastic water bags for those without containers.
David Shoham, a professor from East Tennessee State University who was waiting for supplies, has been without water and power since Friday. He had filled his bathtub before the storm but has since used that water for washing dishes.
“It’s just the reality,” he said. “We can’t do much individually. We just have to hope that our institutions will restore services. It’s frustrating, but who can I complain to? God?”
Jordan Lance, the owner of Buxton Chicken Palace, and three of his chefs were filling buckets and containers, taking them away in a wagon. They are preparing hot meals three times a day at a nearby food hall.
“We’re going to make big batches of jambalaya and serve hot food for people,” Lance said, getting emotional when asked about his business possibly being without running water for weeks.
People in North Carolina get their water from various sources depending on where they live. In major cities, water comes from large treatment plants, while in remote areas, some residents rely on small neighborhood systems or private wells.
Water distribution sites have been established at several locations. Both the county and city funded the transport of private water supplies, while the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided drinking water for distribution in the area.
