September 24, 2025
Web desk
A year after Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, causing deadly flooding and widespread destruction, recovery efforts in Asheville are still ongoing. Operation Blessing, a humanitarian organization, has remained on the ground, helping families, neighborhoods, and local businesses get back on their feet. Their work includes providing food, clean water, hygiene kits, and long-term rebuilding support to the communities hit hardest by the storm.
Hayley Henson, the group’s Global Response Storytelling and Media Manager, joined FOX Weather to reflect on the progress and challenges. For Henson, the storm wasn’t just another disaster she reported on — it was personal. Living in Asheville herself, she experienced the flooding firsthand, which gave her a unique perspective on both the pain and resilience of her community.
Helene’s impact was devastating. The storm killed more than 100 people in North Carolina, flooded entire neighborhoods, and severely damaged infrastructure. In Asheville, areas like Biltmore Village and the River Arts District were underwater, roads were blocked by landslides, and many small businesses suffered catastrophic losses. Even today, many residents are still navigating the slow and difficult process of rebuilding their lives.
