Local News

Health & Safety

Death toll from Hurricane Helene rises to 227 as grim task of recovering bodies continues

10:42am October 06, 2024

by Bruce Schreiner, Associated Press

The number of deaths stood at 225 on Friday; two more were recorded in South Carolina the following day. It was still unclear how many people were unaccounted for or missing, and the toll could rise even higher.

Últimas Actualizaciones: Continuan los esfuerzos de recuperación después de Helene.

10:30am October 06, 2024

by WFDD Staff

Actualizado 10/8 3:27 p.m.

Sheriff's deputies walk along a dirt road among debris

Inside the North Carolina mountain town that Hurricane Helene nearly wiped off the map

4:43pm October 05, 2024

by Allen G. Breed, Associated Press

Nearly 400 miles from where Hurricane Helene made landfall, the hamlet of Chimney Rock Village on the banks of the Broad River has been all but wiped from the map.

Politics & Government

Harris pledges ongoing federal support as she visits North Carolina to survey Helene's aftermath

1:35pm October 05, 2024

by Colleen Long and Ayanna Alexander, Associated Press

The vice president was greeted at the airport by Gov. Roy Cooper among others, and quickly headed into a briefing with emergency response officials about the recovery effort.

Health & Safety

Homeowners hit by Hurricane Helene face the grim task of rebuilding without flood insurance

10:53am October 05, 2024

by Associated Press

A week after Hurricane Helene overwhelmed the Southeastern U.S., homeowners hit the hardest are grappling with how they could possibly pay for the flood damage from one of the deadliest storms to hit the mainland in recent history.

Politics & Government

North Carolina lawmakers to vote on initial Helene relief

10:07am October 05, 2024

by Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press

North Carolina General Assembly leaders said Friday that they’re prepared to approve initial disaster relief next week to address Hurricane He

Bidian Pascual chops cilantro in the kitchen of the Taqueria La Monarca in Boone, on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. SANTIAGO OCHOA/WFDD

In Boone, a taqueria serves warm, fresh food to hundreds in Helene-ravaged Watauga County

6:05pm October 04, 2024

by Santiago Ochoa

A Mexican restaurant in Boone has vowed to keep serving warm food for victims of Hurricane Helene as long as it's needed.

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Politics & Government

Greensboro City Council selects Trey Davis as new city manager

4:13pm October 04, 2024

by DJ Simmons

Davis will succeed interim City Manager Chris Wilson, who has served in the role since the abrupt resignation of Taiwo Jaiyeoba in March.

A man walks by flooded road in Asheville, North Carolina.

Health & Safety

The many impacts of flooding on health and institutions

3:39pm October 04, 2024

by David Ford

Infectious disease expert Dr. Christopher Ohl describes Asheville's aging water infrastructure and backup system, both of which were submerged following Helene. He outlines the many uses of water — hydration, sanitation, cooling for hospitals and schools — disease risks following major floods, and health-related impacts of major flooding on individuals and health providers.

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Young children play at a childcare center

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support child care centers following Helene

2:17pm October 04, 2024

by Amy Diaz

The foundation has agreed to allocate $125,000 toward the cost of tuition payments for the month of October at licensed early childhood development centers throughout Watauga County.