Chilling Conditions Hinder Recovery for Hurricane Helene Survivors

Written by CBS News Correspondent

Months since Hurricane Helene's landfall, the Southeast U.S. is grappling with a biting cold wave, significantly affecting areas such as Asheville, North Carolina. Here, communities still reeling from the storm's impact are facing temperatures plunging into the teens.

After Helene struck on September 26 near Perry, Florida, it wreaked havoc across six states, leaving widespread devastation in its wake.

Personal Stories of Struggle

Steve Crowell, residing in Western North Carolina, witnessed his home demolished by the storm. Initially living in a tent, he has since moved to a camper van, though temperatures remain 15 degrees below average. Reflecting on his experience, Crowell described it as a challenging survival against the severe cold.

Another family, the Levines, endured two months in a shelter with their seven children, alongside many others displaced by Helene. Shana Levine remarks on their resilience, acknowledging how the loss has deeply impacted her children.

Fortunately, their journey toward recovery is showing promise as they prepare to move to two camper vans shortly, aiming for stability post-displacement. However, the temporary shelter they’ve been in will close when the lease expires at December’s end.

Widespread Damage and Financial Aid Issues

The aftermath of Helene not only triggered over 2,000 landslides but also impaired more than 160 water and sewer systems across the region, in addition to damaging at least 6,000 miles of roads.

By late October, over $2.1 billion in federal aid was provisionally granted to support individuals and regions ravaged by Helene and another similar storm that followed shortly after. However, recovery efforts have hit a standstill.

Political delays pose additional challenges as legislators adjourned for Election Day without addressing funding needs, leaving the U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program awaiting replenishment. Subsequent Senate meetings have not yet resulted in any drafted bills to resolve this issue.

Looking Forward

Meanwhile, plans continue as agencies accept new disaster loan applications pending Congressional approval of future funds, offering a glimmer of hope for recovery.

Janet Shamlian, hailing from Houston, Texas, continues to deliver on-the-ground reports, bringing crucial national and international stories to the forefront.