United States - October 09, 2024

In the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Army soldiers are stepping up to aid the beleaguered communities of Western North Carolina. On October 8, 2024, USACE's water and wastewater team, at the behest of state officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), conducted a thorough evaluation of a crippled wastewater facility in Marshall, North Carolina, marking a crucial step towards recovery.

The assessments are pivotal for towns like Marshall to secure public assistance through FEMA. This process involves USACE experts providing technical insights to ensure that the funding for restoration projects is adequately allocated. Once approved, these funds will enable local governments to rebuild their vital water and wastewater infrastructure, which is essential for public health and safety.

Parallel to the infrastructural aid, Task Force Castle, composed of U.S. Army soldiers, has been actively engaged in relief efforts. On October 9, 2024, soldiers were spotted in Hot Springs, North Carolina, loading and distributing water and food to residents whose lives were upended by recent floods. This direct assistance is part of a broader federal strategy to support immediate needs while longer-term recovery efforts are organized.