Residents Organize to Secure Basic Needs After Hurricane and Water Outage

Residents in Asheville, N.C., Face Toilet Challenges Post-Hurricane Helene

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, tens of thousands of North Carolinians remain without running water, leading to dire sanitation issues. Residents like Lark Frazier have reported distressing situations, including some resorting to dangerous methods for waste disposal. The lack of guidance from local authorities has pushed community members to take action.

Frazier, drawing from her rural upbringing, has begun constructing improvised toilets using a bucket lined with a plastic bag and other materials. This initiative addresses potential public health risks associated with untreated waste, as emphasized by sanitation expert Sue Mohnkern.

While the city established water refill stations, many residents still struggle to access necessary water for flushing toilets. Volunteers, including Molly Black and Elle DeBruhl, have banded together to transport water to those in need, using donated IBC totes. Their grassroots group, Flush AVL, facilitates water refills across the area.

Additionally, Erik Iverson, a local well owner, has created a public access point for clean water, equipped with purification systems. Another group, Be Well AVL, is sourcing water from commercial wells and distributing it to low-income residents. These collective efforts reflect Asheville's resilient community spirit, providing essential resources amid the ongoing crisis.

As residents come together to meet basic needs, the importance of solidarity and mutual aid has become increasingly evident in this difficult time.