A first-hand account of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact in North Carolina

Rockwall, TX (October 18, 2024) – Earlier this month, Jarod Rosson, the Emergency Management Coordinator for Rockwall County, joined emergency managers from across Texas as part of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Incident Support Task Force (ISTF) to assist with the response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. The Texas team relieved a group of emergency managers from Louisiana.

Mitchell County, which has roughly 15,000 residents and includes the incorporated towns of Bakersville (the county seat) and Spruce Pine, faces several challenges. Although water and sewer services are operational in Bakersville, most residents still lack power. In Spruce Pine, residents are under a boil water advisory due to the fragile condition of their water system.

During their deployment, the ISTF team undertook various tasks. Jarod Rosson specifically facilitated the deployment of seven shower trailers at the Mitchell County Convenience Center, which can provide shelter, food, showers, bathrooms, and laundry facilities for up to 300 people. He also helped restore power to three of the county’s four sanitation convenience centers, enabling citizens to dispose of their household waste properly.

More than 2,000 FEMA responders are in North Carolina working with local, state and other responders in ongoing aid operations.

Press release submitted by Jim Barto, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photos.

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