Helene Causes Catastrophic Flooding in North Carolina 

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Perry, Florida on September 26th, unleashing widespread destruction along the East Coast and claiming over 115 lives in six states. North Carolina has been particularly hard-hit, with hundreds of roads closed and countless homes submerged due to record rainfall. Entire communities continue to be cut off from power, clean water, and critical healthcare. 

Project HOPE is sending an emergency response team to western North Carolina to provide medical and relief supplies to affected communities and medical care in partnership with the North Carolina Free and Charitable Clinics. 
 
Arlan Fuller, Project HOPE’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, said: 
 
“Hurricane Helene has left a trail of devastation, leaving families homeless overnight. People have gone days without power or potable drinking water. Flooding has caused sewage overflow which contaminates the surrounding area and creates a breeding ground for water-borne illnesses. With roads impassable, many areas are cut off from basic services like pharmacies and grocery stores. We’re racing against time to provide relief to people who need it most. Our team is working closely with local partners to provide support where it is needed. 

In the days to come, we anticipate an overwhelming need for mental health support and lifesaving medicines like insulin. While we are responding to the urgent needs of today, it is imperative to acknowledge the role of the climate crisis in this emergency. As climate change causes conditions such as warmer waters that fuel more frequent and severe storms of this magnitude, communities facing the brunt of the impact must be both supported in their immediate recovery and prepared for future disasters. Our response today must include building resilience for the future.” 
 
To schedule an interview, please contact media@projecthope.org.