Historic rainfall and flooding brought by the remnants of Hurricane Helene have pushed western North Carolina hospitals into 'managed chaos.' Power outages forced many hospitals to rely on backup generators for several days. Widespread water system failures required alternative water supplies for hospitals that use tremendous amounts of water while handwashing, sterilizing surgical equipment and more. Impassable roads blocked by fallen trees and other wreckage disrupted travel for workers and patients alike. Communication disruptions made receiving calls and texts in some areas impossible, straining responses. But amid these challenges, all western North Carolina hospitals have remained operational throughout Hurricane Helene and its aftermath.
