ASHEVILLE, NC (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Residents of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee continue to struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

The storm brought devastating winds and dumped more than two feet of rain on the region. Over 100 lives have been lost and hundreds remain missing.

Parent company of the Cascade Radio Group, Saga Communications Inc., also owns the Asheville Media Group in Asheville, NC. Operations Director Steve Richards spoke with KGMI and described the terrible conditions.

He says water service is completely out in his community and likely won’t be restored for weeks. There are food and fuel shortages, and getting supplies is a struggle as the storm washed out all the roads leading into and out of the city. Power is being restored but cellphone service remains very spotty.

Richards says the breakdown in communications is part of the reason so many people are still listed as missing. Many people around the country are anxiously waiting to hear from family and friends in the region, including staff members at our Bellingham radio stations.

The Asheville community and region are being served by the United Way. Those wishing to donate to the recovery effort can do so here.