72 dead in Buncombe County: latest updates and safety measures

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) — Local officials are implementing safety measures and relief services as Buncombe County recovers from Helene’s impact.

72 lives have been lost throughout Buncombe County, due to Hurricane Helene.

Officials said that Buncombe County has activated the One Buncombe Call Center. To report storm damage, access resources and find storm-related information, call 828-250-6100. The call center will operate seven days a week.

Waste Pro will continue to offer limited service in Weaverville on Friday, where safe and accessible. Residents can drop off household trash at North Buncombe Pool, 734 Clarks Chapel Road, in Weaverville, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Officials ask that residents do not drop off storm debris. The Buncombe County Landfill will be open Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents are advised to stay clear of river areas, due to the significant debris. Officials said that the they have requested testing for hazardous materials through the State Emergency Operations Center.

Residents who are interested in making hurricane relief donations can go to 6 Commerce Way in Arden. Volunteers will be accepting donations from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., daily.

These are the items that will be acceptable to donate:

• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food
• Bottled water
• Clean-up supplies
• Paper goods including toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
• Baby supplies including formula
• Pet supplies
• Personal care

Officials said this location is not a distribution spot and that they cannot accept items such as baby food, glass items, furniture, clothing, perishable food, electronics and flammable liquids.

Mountain Mobility will also continue life-sustaining dialysis transport in coordination with dialysis centers. They will also help open hospital beds.

MedVet Asheville, an emergency and specialty veterinary hospital, will be open on Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and will be open those hours every day. They are located at 677 Brevard Road, Asheville.

Free Wi-Fi is available at the North Asheville Library. The password is readmore and is lowercased with no space. Other libraries include Pack Memorial, Enka-Candler and West Asheville.

Updates for the Town of Woodfin

Food and water distribution will take place at the New Bridge Baptist Church, located at 199 Elkwood Avenue, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Donations will be accepted from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

A portion of donations will be shuttled to Victory Baptist Church, located at 80 Olivette Road, in Asheville, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Residents with special needs or are needing welfare checks should visit Woodfin Town Hall on 90 Elk Mountain Road . Residents can also call 828-253-4887 when cellular service is restored.

Trash and recycling collection will begin on Friday.

Officials said that there is no definitive timeline for when water can be restored for Woodfin.

Updates for the Town of Biltmore Forest

Officials said that a large number of trees were taken down due to Helene, being the main source of destruction for the community. All roads are currently accessible for emergency crews.

The water system will require repairs once they have been restored.

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