Western North Carolina Still Rebuilding 18 Months After Hurricane Helene

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security visits to assess recovery efforts and funding needs

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in muted tones, with the remnants of damaged structures barely visible in the distance, dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the natural environment. The scene conveys a sense of melancholy and the sublime power of the elements.The sweeping, atmospheric landscape of Western North Carolina's storm-ravaged regions serves as a somber reminder of the enduring impact of Hurricane Helene.Lake Lure Today

Eighteen months after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, areas like Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are still struggling to rebuild. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin visited the region to meet with local leaders, state representatives, and FEMA officials, highlighting the significant amount of work and funding still needed to recover from the estimated $60 billion in damage across the state.

Why it matters

Hurricane Helene was one of the most destructive storms to hit Western North Carolina, causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and the local economy. The slow pace of recovery has left many residents and community leaders frustrated, underscoring the challenges of disaster relief and the need for sustained federal and state support.

The details

During his visit, Secretary Mullin toured affected areas and held a roundtable discussion with local officials. They discussed the progress made so far, including $134 million in public assistance secured, as well as the ongoing struggles, such as the Lake Lure wastewater system operating 'on life support.' Community leaders emphasized the need for additional funding to rebuild critical infrastructure and help residents recover.

  • Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in September 2024.
  • The Secretary of Homeland Security visited the region on April 7, 2026, 18 months after the hurricane.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

The newly appointed United States Secretary of Homeland Security, who visited Western North Carolina to assess the recovery efforts.

Ted Budd

The U.S. Senator representing North Carolina's 13th District, who stated that the federal government has already provided $134 million in public assistance to the region.

Dave DiOrio

The Mayor Pro Tem of Lake Lure, who highlighted the need for investment in the town's wastewater system and aging dam infrastructure.

Josh Stein

The Governor of North Carolina, who provided a statement expressing his hope for reduced backlogs and delays at FEMA under Secretary Mullin's leadership.

Local fire chief

A community leader who responded to Secretary Mullin's question about the current state of recovery, stating that they are 'still struggling.'

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What they’re saying

“I have never seen anything like this, and I can't even imagine what it looked like 18 months ago.”

— Markwayne Mullin, United States Secretary of Homeland Security

“He's already helped to get this area of the state $134 million in public assistance.”

— Ted Budd, U.S. Senator, North Carolina's 13th District

“We had one posture after the storm, and that's 'please help us.'”

— Community leader

“Our wastewater collection and treatment system is on life support here. We need some investment there. The dam, though it was our hero, was set on bedrock. It really did its job, but a 100-year-old dam needs investment in order to keep it going.”

— Dave DiOrio, Mayor Pro Tem, Lake Lure

“Chief, how are y'all doing now?”

— Markwayne Mullin, United States Secretary of Homeland Security

What’s next

Secretary Mullin stated that he is reminding Western North Carolina residents that they have not been forgotten, and the federal government remains committed to supporting the region's long-term recovery efforts.

The takeaway

This visit by the Secretary of Homeland Security highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Western North Carolina communities as they work to rebuild from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. The need for sustained federal and state funding, as well as improved coordination and efficiency in disaster relief, will be critical to ensuring the region can fully recover and become more resilient in the face of future extreme weather events.