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.
Smathers called for additional Starlink capabilities or mobile communication towers to address the communication breakdown. He stressed the urgency of the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by the community in accessing essential services and coordinating relief efforts.
Reflecting on the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, Mayor Smathers acknowledged the town's efforts to prepare for natural disasters but noted that the scale of destruction from Hurricane Helene exceeded their expectations. The mayor described the widespread damage caused by the storm, with businesses, homes, roads, and bridges being washed away.
Mayor Smathers expressed concern that Western North Carolina, often referred to as 'Hurricane Row,' is facing recurring natural disasters, with the current situation likely to be remembered as one of the worst in North Carolina's history. Despite the challenges, the community remains resilient, with efforts underway to address the immediate needs of those affected by the storm.
