Buncombe Co. sheriff gives update on Helene recovery efforts

SWANNANOA, N.C. (WSPA) – The sheriff of Buncombe County provided an update Tuesday on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County.

Sheriff Quentin Miller was joined by Swannanoa Fire Chief Anthony Penland as they described the devastation and recovery efforts throughout the county and in Swannanoa.

Penland said firefighters, along with task force members from partner agencies, are still actively searching the river and debris piles and finding victims.

“In the days since the storm, I have seen firsthand the incredible efforts of our first responders, our deputies, alongside law enforcement volunteers, have been working tirelessly 24 hours a day to reach every corner of our county,” said Miller.

According to Miller, the sheriff’s office had 23 teams deployed to all corners of the country to clear debris, check on neighbors, and bring assistance where needed.

Miller said there are areas they still have not been able to access and they’re now using helicopters to try to reach those areas.

“I was born and raised here in Buncombe County and I can tell you mountain people are known for their resilience,” Miller said. “We come out stronger because we know how to support one another.”

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said they have authorized the transfer of 141 detainees to other jail facilities in North Carolina but that the jail is operating normally.

The jail’s communications provider is also giving detainees at the Buncombe County Detention Facility with a week of free calls to speak to their loved ones, the sheriff said.

According to Penland, FEMA officials have been going door-to-door in Swannanoa helping residents with paperwork to get help.

Penland also said that, in Swannanoa, officials have knocked on every door to provide assistance to residents. He said some areas, including the Bee Tree area the roads must be rebuilt to access the reservoir.

“It may look different in a few years, but we’ll come back,” said Penland.

You can watch the full news conference in the video player above.

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