- Wayne Dupree Staff
More than three weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in Asheville, North Carolina, James Greene and his fellow residents at Brooks-Howell Home are still struggling with the aftermath. The 84-year-old and others living in the nursing home have been without regular access to safe running water, complicating basic hygiene and daily activities. The situation is not unique to their facility; across Asheville, several nursing homes are grappling with water issues following the storm.
The lack of municipal running water has forced residents and staff to find alternative methods for essential tasks such as flushing toilets and maintaining personal hygiene—challenges that are particularly daunting for the elderly population of these facilities. This crisis underscores a broader risk posed by hurricane-induced floodwaters, which can introduce a mix of contaminants into local water supplies, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks.
In response to these challenges, city officials issued a Boil Water Notice on Oct. 16, a directive still in place that points to the ongoing concerns about water safety post-Hurricane Helene. For those in elderly care facilities, this notice adds another layer of complexity to their recovery efforts.
The struggle extends beyond just physical discomfort; it has taken an emotional toll on residents cut off from communication in the storm's immediate aftermath. However, thanks to restored phone and internet services and support from various agencies including FEMA and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there's hope for gradual improvement.
While community members like Greene express gratitude for the assistance received so far and remain resilient in face of adversity, it's clear that Asheville's road to recovery will be long. The continued support from both governmental agencies and community solidarity is crucial as they navigate these challenging times together.
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