Asheville, United States - October 11, 2024

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's relentless assault, Asheville lies in a state of disarray, its streets strewn with wreckage and its infrastructure severely compromised. The hurricane, with its heavy winds and torrential rains, has left a trail of destruction across this picturesque city, known for its vibrant arts scene and historic charm.

As of October 11, 2024, the city is grappling with the devastation: vehicles submerged under floodwaters, trees uprooted, and debris scattered across what were once bustling thoroughfares. The flooding has not only inundated homes and businesses but has also wreaked havoc on critical infrastructure, including bridges and roads, effectively cutting off parts of the city.

Amidst this chaos, hope comes in the form of a robust federal response. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are at the forefront of the relief efforts. FEMA has dispatched generators to keep essential services like hospitals and first-responder centers operational, while the Emergency Power Team from USACE, led by the Pittsburgh District, has coordinated with contractors to install these critical power sources swiftly.

USACE's involvement is extensive, with 261 personnel on the ground, alongside an additional 65 supporting remotely and 218 contractor personnel, all working in concert to restore some semblance of normalcy. The Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Team, comprising personnel from various districts and the military, has already managed to install over 20 generators and assess more than 40 locations for further power needs.