***Update: In response to Hurricane Helene’s devastation, Water Mission deployed our disaster response team to the hardest-hit areas in North Carolina, starting in Boone. As of Thursday, October 3, our team has more than six water treatment systems either operational or in the set-up process. Each system provides safe water to up to 5,000 people daily. Additionally, we are distributing 62,000 water purification packets and 100 generators, with 175 more on the way.
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"We have approval from the state of North Carolina to provide desperately needed safe water through our mobile safe water treatment systems for affected communities in western NC. Safe water is one of the first things needed after a disaster for drinking, cooking, cleaning and sanitation in order to avoid deadly waterborne illnesses. Water Mission, a Christian engineering nonprofit, responds to disasters around the world and in rare instances, in the U.S.
We currently have 6 systems and 175 generators to provide emergency aid being distributed by our teams across the region. An encouraging update for today is that we have team members and safe water treatment systems headed by helicopter to a remote mountain region between Asheville and Boone. Our hope is to get systems into Black Mountain, a hard hit and difficult to reach community if possible." - Gregg Dinino, Water Mission PR Director
Here's the huge concern about flood water:
As a disaster epidemiologist and a native North Carolinian, I have been hearing stories from the region that are devastating. Contaminated water is one of the leading health risks, but residents also face harm to mental health, stress that exacerbates chronic diseases and several other threats.
Water risks: What you can’t see can hurt you
Access to clean water is one of the most urgent health concerns after a flood. People need water for drinking, preparing food, cleaning, bathing, even flushing toilets. Contact with contaminated water can cause serious illnesses.
Floodwater with sewage or other harmful contaminants in it can lead to infectious diseases, particularly among people who are already ill, immunocompromised or have open wounds. Even after the water recedes, residents may underestimate the potential for contamination by unseen bacteria such as fecal coliform, heavy metals such as lead, and organic and inorganic contaminants such as pesticides.
In Asheville, the flooding caused so much damage to water treatment facilities and pipes that officials warned the city could be without running water for potentially weeks. Most private wells also require electricity to pump and filter the water, and many people in surrounding areas could be without power for weeks. - Jennifer Horney, University of Delaware
Bringing some relief
Water Mission, a Christian engineering nonprofit, is responding to the ongoing destruction from Hurricane Helene after it unleashed destruction across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. The storm claimed at least 177 lives and caused up to $35 billion in estimated damage, leaving communities reeling from the devastation.
With more that a million people still without power, many are experiencing drinking water shortages. North Carolina was particularly hard hit, setting a record for the worst flooding in the state’s recorded history. In response, the Water Mission Disaster Assistance Response Team is bringing aid to the hardest-hit areas in Western North Carolina, starting in Boone. The team is actively working to provide much-needed assistance, bringing nearly 30 generators, supplies, and water treatment systems as they actively seek opportunities to provide safe water.?Power is often necessary to supply safe water, especially in emergency situations.
“Water Mission has responded to more than 60 disasters around the world, including select instances within the U.S.,” said Water Mission CEO and President George C. Greene IV, PE. “Our Disaster Assistance Response Team is well versed in quickly mobilizing and collaborating with partners on the ground to provide emergency assistance as quickly as possible where it is needed most. The historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene has resulted in immeasurable suffering and loss for so many Americans. This is one of those unique times where we can show the love of Christ by serving our fellow citizens in Western North Carolina.”
Water Mission has more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises with immediate and long-term safe water solutions. Over the last two years, Water Mission has responded to flooding in East Africa, earthquakes in Turkey, flooding in Pakistan, cholera outbreaks in Malawi, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean. Water Mission has served more than 8 million people globally since 2001.
Click here to learn more about Water Mission’s Hurricane Helene disaster response effort as the organization rushes staff and equipment to support those in desperate circumstances.
About Water Mission
Water Mission is a Christian engineering nonprofit that builds sustainable safe water solutions for people in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas. Since 2001, Water Mission has served more than 8 million people in more than 60 countries, sharing safe water and the message of God’s love. Water Mission’s global headquarters is in North Charleston, SC. Charity Navigator has awarded Water Mission its top four-star rating 18 years in a row.