Recovering and Rebuilding: How Western North Carolina Mountain Communities Can Overcome a (possible) 100-Year Flood
Nestled in the scenic mountains of western North Carolina, communities have long flourished amidst the natural beauty of dense forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. But living close to nature also comes with the risk of natural disasters, including the threat of floods. When a (possible) 100-year flood event occurred on 09/27/2024, it left a lasting devastation in its wake, impacting homes, businesses, infrastructure, and the environment.
A 100-year flood refers to a flood event that has a 1% chance of happening in any given year, though the term can be misleading as such an event can happen more than once within a century. With many western North Carolina communities faced such devastation, the process of recovery, rebuilding, and thriving again requires a combination of resilience, planning, resources, and community cooperation.
Immediate Impact: Devastation of a 100-Year Flood
When tropical storm Helene which many are calling (possible) 100-year flood hit 09/27/2024, the initial effects were catastrophic. Torrential rains overwhelmed rivers, streams, and creeks, causing flash flooding that damaging homes, businesses, and roadways. Landslides and erosion followed as already saturated soil loses stability. Bridges and roads were washed away, and electricity, water, and communications systems were knocked out.
The initial days following the flood focused on rescue and relief efforts, where LOCAL government agencies, emergency personnel, and local non-profits organizations and volunteers worked tirelessly to evacuate individuals, provide medical care, and supply food, water, and temporary shelter.
Short-Term Recovery: Emergency Response and Aid
The first step toward recovery is addressing the immediate needs of the population. Emergency relief organizations such as the Red Cross was here, and local agencies played a critical role. Key short-term actions include:
- Rescue and Evacuation: Ensuring that residents in danger are evacuated to safe zones and provided with emergency shelter and supplies.
- Restoring Essential Services: Local authorities and utility companies work to restore electricity, clean water, and communications systems as quickly as possible.
- Assessing Damage: Local government officials were critical in the absence of federal resources and insurance adjusters started showing up to survey the damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, helping to estimate the total losses and prepare for compensation claims.
- Debris Removal: Clearing roads, homes, and public areas of debris is an essential early task to help the community return to a sense of normalcy.
Long-Term Recovery: Rebuilding After the Flood
While emergency response is crucial, the long-term recovery process is where communities shift from survival mode to rebuilding and planning for the future. This phase can take months, even years, but with careful planning and collaboration, the community can rebuild stronger and more resilient than before.
1. Involving Community Stakeholders
The success of long-term recovery depends on the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including local residents, businesses, (government agencies like FEMA, if they have not expended the taxpayer funded budget), environmental experts, and builders. These groups can form a unified recovery task force to ensure that rebuilding efforts align with safety standards, local needs, and sustainable practices.
Key players might include:
- Local Government: Spearheads rebuilding efforts, coordinates resources, and seeks funding from federal and state programs.
- Builders and Contractors: Local construction companies, skilled laborers, and civil engineers will play a major role in the physical rebuilding process, such as repairing homes, roadways, and bridges.
- Environmental Experts: Western North Carolina’s mountainous terrain and delicate ecosystems require special attention to prevent future flood risks. Environmental engineers and geologists can help design sustainable solutions, including enhanced drainage systems and reforestation efforts.
- Community Members: The residents themselves can actively participate in recovery by volunteering for rebuilding projects, supporting local businesses, and providing feedback on future development plans.
2. Resilient Infrastructure and Green Design
As the community rebuilds, it is vital to integrate more resilient infrastructure that can withstand future flooding events. This means upgrading roads, bridges, and homes to flood-resistant standards. Communities may also adopt green building practices to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
- Elevating Homes: To mitigate future flood damage, homes and businesses near rivers and low-lying areas may need to be elevated above base flood elevation levels.
- Improved Drainage Systems: Local government can invest in larger, more efficient stormwater systems, installing levees, culverts, and retention ponds to divert and absorb floodwaters.
- Natural Barriers: Planting trees, preserving wetlands, and installing rain gardens can create natural barriers to flooding by stabilizing the soil and slowing water flow. Restoring natural habitats along waterways helps prevent erosion and protects wildlife.
3. Federal and State Assistance
Funding is a major component of recovery. Federal and state disaster aid programs offer grants, low-interest loans, and technical assistance for rebuilding infrastructure and restoring public services. FEMA provides financial support for flood victims and insurance through the NFIP – National Flood Insurance Program, potentially helping them rebuild their homes or relocate to safer areas. State agencies, such as the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management, may provide additional assistance tailored to the unique geography and challenges of mountain communities.
4. Economic Recovery
Tis flooding has devastated local economies, especially in rural mountain communities where small businesses, tourism, and agriculture play a significant role. Rebuilding the local economy requires investment in job creation, infrastructure, and community-driven economic development.
- Supporting Local Businesses: Providing grants or low-interest loans to small businesses affected by the flood can help them reopen and recover. Community members are encouraged to shop local to stimulate the economy.
- Tourism Revitalization: Mountain towns rely heavily on tourism, with visitors attracted to outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage. Marketing campaigns can help bring tourists back to the region, highlighting the community’s resilience and ongoing recovery.
- Agricultural Assistance: For farms damaged by flooding, state and federal agricultural agencies can offer financial assistance and technical advice on restoring farmland and livestock operations.
Planning for the Future: Flood Prevention and Climate Resilience
After a flood, rebuilding must go hand in hand with future preparedness. Climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including flooding. As a result, communities need to adopt long-term strategies to minimize future risks.
1. Floodplain Mapping and Zoning Regulations
Updating floodplain maps ensures that the latest scientific data is used to guide land use and development. Local governments can implement stricter zoning regulations that limit building in high-risk flood zones, encouraging future development in safer, elevated areas.
2. Community Education and Preparedness
Building community resilience requires educating residents about flood risks and disaster preparedness. Implementing public education campaigns on topics like emergency evacuation routes, flood insurance, and home retrofitting can save lives and reduce property damage during future disasters.
3. Investing in Early Warning Systems
Advanced weather monitoring and early warning systems are essential in reducing the impact of future floods. By investing in technologies like river gauges, weather radar, and community alert systems, residents can receive early warnings about rising water levels and be better prepared to evacuate if necessary. Even though we knew about this huge storm for a week, very little to no pre-deployment of recovery or rescue equipment was in place. Basically in the tropical storm Helene, the government seemed asleep at the wheel.
Thriving After the Storm: The Path Forward
While the aftermath of this possible 100-year flood is daunting, western North Carolina mountain communities have a long history of resilience and unity. By working together, embracing innovative and sustainable rebuilding practices, and planning for future threats, these communities can not only recover but thrive. The rebuilding process provides an opportunity to create a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for generations to come, ensuring that the mountains will continue to be a place of beauty, sanctuary, and growth.
The heart of any recovery lies in the strength of its people, and mountain communities in western North Carolina are known for their grit, compassion, and resolve—qualities that will carry them through even the most devastating floods.
Dwain Ammons
Realtor® | C2EX, e-PRO®, PSA, SFR®
Tate Luxury Certified, Tate eService Certified, Marketing Specialist (LMS),
1518 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure NC 28746