It has been a week since Hurricane Helene first hit land on Thursday, September 26.
The Category 4 storm has left thousands of people in the southeastern United States desperately needing help, struggling without shelter, food, clean water, and other essentials. Reports from NBC News now confirm that at least 190 people have been killed as a result of the hurricane.
RELATED: HOW TO HELP VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HELENE IN NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina has experienced some of the worst devastation from the tropical storm, with entire towns losing homes and businesses after heavy rainfall exceeded two feet. The highest recorded rainfall was just over 31 inches in Busick. In addition to the flooding, roads and bridges have been washed away, leaving many areas cut off in the aftermath of the storm.
Waffle House in Asheville, NC Helps Feed Victims of Hurricane Helene
The popular tourist destination of Asheville, NC, was hit hard by the most extreme side of the storm, leaving almost the entire city without power and with limited access to food and a place to stay for most residents.
The terrible situation has brought the community together, with everyone pitching in to help where they can. Popular food chain Waffle House has stepped up to support locals, opening its doors in Asheville, where nearly no other businesses are operating.
WAFFLE HOUSE IS OPEN!!!
They have hooked us up and are going to help us to feed AN ENTIRE SHELTER this evening in Asheville, NC!
Just like the other places we have went, the workers at Waffle House said we have to stick together! They just reopened, and were serving with a… pic.twitter.com/s9ybuIEGwi
— Chris Hall, Y’all (@ChrisHallWx) September 30, 2024
Despite having no electricity, Waffle House is making sure that those without access to food can get a meal. With power still out for most of the area, workers and volunteers have dedicated their time to cooking for those in need, likely using a generator to keep things running.
Even without power, @WaffleHouse is still rolling out the meals!! pic.twitter.com/x3JadOTEtN
— Chris Hall, Y’all (@ChrisHallWx) October 2, 2024
In addition to serving people who drop by, Waffle House is also delivering meals to nearby shelters housing evacuees.
On their official social media pages, Waffle House shared a map for North Carolina and South Carolina residents, showing the locations of open Waffle House restaurants to help people in need of food find the nearest open location during the storm recovery efforts.
To the communities who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, we are here for you.
Here is the current map of our unit status in your area. For address information, please visit: https://t.co/NwrCWskvl3#whindex #hurricanehelene #helene pic.twitter.com/nJ4H9DnLDg
— Waffle House (@WaffleHouse) October 1, 2024
Many others have also shown their support in helping those affected by the hurricane.
Country star Miranda Lambert recently donated $100,000 through her MuttNation Foundation to assist pets in need after the disaster.
Morgan Wallen also contributed a generous donation, gifting $500,000 to the American Red Cross.
The NASCAR community has stepped up as well, offering the use of their private helicopters to deliver resources to people in areas with washed-out roads or limited transportation.