North Carolina Hospitals Back on the Grid After Power Outages
Twenty-two acute care hospitals in North Carolina regained access to the power grid by Sunday night after relying on generators for several days, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Kody Kinsley. He assured that the hospitals continued their services with generator power and the department is in close communication, providing essential supplies like food and water to maintain operations.
Mayor of Canton: “We’re Facing 2024 Challenges with 1990s Technology”
Canton, North Carolina, has been hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and Mayor Zeb Smathers expressed frustration over the outdated communication infrastructure. He compared the situation to Tropical Storm Fred, which devastated the town three years ago, but noted that the challenges are different this time.
“We’re trying to handle a 2024 disaster with technology from the 1990s,” Smathers said. He highlighted the complete collapse of cellular communications in Canton and surrounding Haywood County, which has severely impacted their ability to respond to the storm.
Communication Breakdown Hindering Recovery Efforts
One of the biggest problems has been the lack of communication. Smathers explained that before the worst of the storm on Friday, all cellular communications were lost, paralyzing recovery efforts. He described how, without cell service, even emergency responders couldn’t coordinate properly.
“If I’m not at the police station, a police officer has to find me on the road,” he said. Many families are unable to contact help because they can’t make simple phone calls, even 72 hours after the storm. Smathers also noted that while there is aid arriving in Canton, the communication issues are preventing the people who need it most from getting the necessary help.
Desperate Need for Better Communication Tools
Smathers called for additional Starlink capabilities or mobile communication towers to restore basic services. He expressed frustration at not knowing whether mobile towers had been set up in nearby Asheville because of the lack of communication.
“We needed our phones the most during this crisis, and we’ve been crippled by the telecommunications companies not providing us with basic emergency services,” Smathers added.
Flooding and Destruction in Canton: “It Was Apocalyptic”
Canton has faced significant destruction before. In 2021, flooding from Tropical Storm Fred caused severe damage, and while the town was better prepared this time, the 28-foot crest of the river overwhelmed their efforts.
“Businesses, restaurants, homes—gone. Roads and bridges were washed out,” Smathers said, noting that even his sister lost her home. The town, he explained, is still reeling from the loss, and seeing the destruction again only three years later is devastating.
“Worst Natural Disaster in North Carolina History”
Smathers believes Hurricane Helene will be remembered as the worst natural disaster in North Carolina’s history. The full extent of the damage and the number of people unaccounted for remains unknown as of Monday afternoon. Governor Roy Cooper shared that search and rescue missions are ongoing and that restoring cell service would make it easier to determine how many people are missing.
Residents struggling to contact loved ones were encouraged to call 211 for assistance.
