As winter descends upon Avery and Mitchell counties in North Carolina, residents face a potentially life-threatening crisis: no heat in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction.
At a Glance
- Hurricane Helene destroyed the area’s only kerosene source, leaving residents without heating fuel
- Rhonda Jean Kowald and the Western Carolina Emergency Network are distributing fuel to local firehouses
- Initial donations of $271,000 have dwindled to $50,000, enough for just a week and a half of fuel
- Elderly, disabled, and those without transportation are particularly vulnerable
- Some gas stations have resumed kerosene deliveries, but relief efforts remain critical
Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Impact
Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly in the mountain communities of Avery and Mitchell counties, North Carolina. The storm’s fury didn’t just topple trees and flood homes; it dismantled the area’s only kerosene station, leaving residents facing a winter without heat.
The situation in these counties is dire. The Quickmart station, serviced by Exxon and the primary source of kerosene for local gas stations and homes, has vanished. This leaves thousands of residents, many of whom rely on kerosene heaters, scrambling for alternatives as temperatures drop. The crisis is exacerbated by the fact that some areas may face up to five months without essential services, including electricity.
North Carolina Hurricane Helene victims are forgotten and struggling as winter approaches.
Temps are dropping – and hurricane survivors are living in tents and non-insulated trailers.
I met up with many who messaged me on @X.
Putting together story for @newsnation 5pmET tomorrow.— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) November 13, 2024
Community-Led Relief Efforts
Local heroes have emerged in response to the crisis. Rhonda Jean Kowald and her nonprofit organization the Western Carolina Emergency Network are at the forefront of relief efforts. They’ve been tirelessly delivering heating fuel to local firehouses for distribution to those in immediate need. However, the scale of the disaster is outpacing their resources.
“They’re going to be in a really bad situation,” Kowald warned.
The initial wave of community support was substantial, with donations totaling over $271,000. But as the crisis drags on, these funds have dwindled to $50,000 – barely enough to cover a week and a half of fuel distribution.
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
The heating fuel shortage doesn’t affect all residents equally. Kowald’s efforts prioritize the most vulnerable: the elderly, those in hospice care, disabled individuals, and residents without transportation. These groups face the highest risk as temperatures plummet, highlighting the life-or-death nature of this crisis.
“It is winter time in the mountains and people shouldn’t be trying to dig out their homes from feet of mud while freezing because they have no way to properly heat their homes through kerosene heat or generators,” Kowald stated.
North Carolina Senator Ted Alexander said, “The importance of helping to provide heating fuel, including kerosene, and home heating oil cannot be overlooked or overstated during this time.”
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Ongoing Challenges
While the situation remains critical, there are signs of progress. Some gas stations have started receiving kerosene deliveries, offering a lifeline to those able to access them. However, for many residents, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or lack transportation, Kowald’s efforts continue to be their primary hope for warmth this winter.
