News Summary
As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches, state and local leaders in South Carolina and North Carolina reflect on recovery efforts. The storm caused extensive damage, leaving thousands in struggle. Despite the challenges, communities came together, showcasing resilience and hope for the future.
Columbia, South Carolina – State and local leaders commemorated the recovery efforts on September 26, 2025, as they marked the one-year anniversary of the devastating Hurricane Helene, which struck South Carolina and North Carolina on September 27, 2024. The storm caused extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses, leaving behind substantial debris that took a year for communities to address.
Officials highlighted the collective response from citizens, governmental agencies, and businesses in the aftermath of the storm. Major General Robin Stilwell, a native of Greenville, acknowledged the spirit of selflessness displayed by the community, while Governor Henry McMaster praised the resilient character of South Carolinians in facing natural disasters.
As part of the recovery efforts, Duane Parrish, director of the state Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, noted that progress in areas like Jones Gap State Park exemplified the cooperative spirit among residents and agencies. The recent completion of a bridge at Jones Gap State Park now allows further repairs, symbolizing the ongoing recovery process.
In North Carolina, the Keeles family from Burnsville faced significant challenges after their home was flooded with about four feet of water during Hurricane Helene. A year after the storm, they, along with many others, still struggle, living in a camper as they deal with lost jobs and property. Over 74,000 homes were destroyed in Western North Carolina, with damages estimated at approximately $60 billion.
In the days following the hurricane, many communities experienced prolonged outages of electricity, cell service, and running water. A local distribution site was established to provide aid, where community members volunteered to assist their neighbors in the recovery efforts. Families like the Keeles received numerous donations, including a new car and generators, as they navigated the hardships of living in tents for several weeks before securing a temporary shelter.
Community organizations, including Samaritan’s Purse, played a significant role in helping individuals clear out homes and restore a sense of normalcy during the recovery process. Despite the collective efforts, many residents report feeling overlooked by officials and face difficulties with insurance and the rebuilding process.
Hurricane Helene is noted for its severe impact, causing 250 storm-related deaths across seven states, rendering it one of the deadliest hurricanes in recent history. The hurricane reached Category 4 strength with winds reported at 68 mph in locations as far away as Indianapolis, Indiana. It inflicted unprecedented flooding, with up to 30.78 inches of rain recorded in certain areas, resulting in approximately 2,000 landslides throughout North Carolina.
The National Hurricane Center classified Helene as the fourth deadliest hurricane in the U.S. since 1950 and the seventh costliest, with total damages estimated at roughly $80 billion. As recovery efforts continue, many affected areas may take years to fully recuperate from the aftermath of the storm.
As the one-year mark passes, community leaders express hope for the future while acknowledging the ongoing struggles many families face amid their challenging recovery journeys.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Hurricane Helene in North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2024)
- Fox News: North Carolina Family After Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene recovery
- USA Today: One Year After Hurricane Helene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- AccuWeather: A Year After Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene impact
- WIS TV: State Leaders Mark One Year Since Helene
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
