
Canton, North Carolina, is reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with Mayor Zeb Smathers highlighting the challenges faced by the community in the wake of the storm. Mayor Smathers expressed frustration over the severe lack of communication infrastructure, citing the collapse of cellular communications in Canton and Haywood County as a major hindrance to response and recovery efforts.
The mayor emphasized the critical need for improved communication capabilities, noting that the inability to connect with emergency responders and coordinate relief efforts has left many families in turmoil. Despite aid arriving in Canton, connectivity issues have hampered coordination, potentially preventing those most in need from receiving assistance.