North Carolina Schools Struggle to Reopen After Hurricane Helene Devastation

Thousands of students return to class amidst ongoing challenges, while many remain displaced due to infrastructure damage.

Over a month after Hurricane Helene, Buncombe County schools welcomed back students as they continue to recover from severe damage.
Approximately 76,000 students in western North Carolina are still unable to attend school due to unsafe drinking water and ongoing road repairs.
Students and families face emotional and logistical challenges, with many seeking temporary solutions for education and daily routines.
Local officials are working to restore normalcy, providing temporary educational programs and shipping in drinking water to facilitate school reopenings.
The aftermath of Helene highlights the broader impact of climate-related disasters on education, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.