“Hurricane Helene Leaves Record $53 Billion in Damages in North Carolina: What Comes Next?”
Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on western North Carolina, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction that is estimated to have cost at least a record $53 billion in damages and recovery needs, according to Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration. This surpasses the previous record of $17 billion in damages from Hurricane Florence in 2018.
The storm, which hit in late September, resulted in 96 reported deaths and brought historic levels of rain and flooding to the region. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene led to 1,400 landslides, damaged over 160 water and sewer systems, more than 6,000 miles of roads, over 1,000 bridges and culverts, and an estimated 126,000 homes. Approximately 220,000 households are expected to apply for federal assistance.
Governor Cooper has requested $3.9 billion from the General Assembly to help pay for repairs and revitalization in western North Carolina. This funding is seen as a “down payment on western North Carolina’s future” as the state begins the long process of recovery.
The state government has several billion dollars available for recovery spending, with almost $4.5 billion in the state’s savings reserve alone. Legislative leaders are set to meet to advance additional Helene recovery legislation, following a $273 million package approved two weeks ago.
The damage report projects $48.8 billion in direct or indirect damages, along with $4.8 billion in anticipated mitigation expenses. The federal government is expected to cover $13.6 billion of these costs, with private and other sources contributing $6.3 billion. However, most of the losses incurred are unlikely to be fully recovered.
Governor Cooper’s recovery plan includes funding for businesses, farmers, utilities, debris removal, public schools, community colleges, homeowners, and renters. The request also seeks to address remaining home repairs from previous hurricanes, such as Florence and Matthew, which have been delayed due to various factors including rising construction costs and labor shortages.
Despite the significant financial needs for recovery, some Senate Republicans have criticized the timing and amount of funding requested, citing concerns about management by the state Office of Recovery and Resiliency. An oversight committee is set to investigate the matter in the coming months.
As North Carolina continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the state faces a long road to recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this devastating storm.