RESOLUTION #37-2025
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE HELENE
WHEREAS, on September 27, 2024, Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene struck Western North Carolina,
bringing unprecedented flooding and devastation across the region, including within Transylvania
County; and
WHEREAS, Transylvania County endured widespread destruction of homes, businesses, roads, bridges,
and public infrastructure, with flooding measured from 100-year to nearly 1000-year levels, leaving
behind debris and damage that will take years to fully recover and rebuild; and
WHEREAS, although our county was spared the loss of life, the storm brought several days of fear
and uncertainty for hundreds of residents, many of whom worked tirelessly to protect and serve the
community even while unsure of the safety of their own families; and
WHEREAS, the people of Transylvania County demonstrated extraordinary resilience, generosity, and
selflessness in the face of this disaster, with countless stories of sacrifice and compassion as
neighbors helped neighbors and strangers alike; and
WHEREAS, response and recovery required the united efforts of many-county government agencies
including Administration, Animal Services, Board of Commissioners, Building Permitting,
Communications/911, Cooperative Extension, EMS, Emergency Management, Finance, Fire Marshal,
Information Technology, Operations, Public Health, Sheriffs Office, Soil and Water Conservation,
and Solid Waste; municipal partners; local fire departments; nonprofit organizations; churches; and
volunteers, all working alongside state and federal agencies and private landowners to address
urgent needs and begin the long path to recovery; and
WHEREAS, the spirit of Transylvania County-our resilience, courage, and determination to overcome
hardship-was made evident as our community came together to care for one another, showing the very
best of who we are;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners does hereby
recognize September 27, 2025, as the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board honors the memory of this tragic event, expresses its
deepest gratitude to all who responded with selflessness and sacrifice, and reaffirms its
commitment to the ongoing recovery and rebuilding of our county; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we remember Hurricane Helene not only for the devastation it caused,
but also for the strength, generosity, and resilience it revealed in the people of Transylvania
County.
Adopted this the 22nd day of September 2025.
Hurricane Helene: Untold Stories from Transylvania County
Since September 22, we have been sharing a series of short video interviews to commemorate the remarkable contributions of Transylvania County staff during the relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Each video features an informal conversation with a member of our county team, highlighting not only their professional dedication but also the personal challenges and triumphs they experienced during the disaster one year ago.
We extend our deepest gratitude to these individuals—not only for their extraordinary work and self-sacrifice during a time of crisis, but also for their courage to share their stories openly as part of this project.
Please join us in honoring their service and remembering the strength, resilience, and compassion that carried our community through the storm.
👉 [Click here to view the whole series]