North Carolina implements new resilience strategies following Hurricane Helene

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, recovery and mitigation efforts are underway in western North Carolina. In Asheville, the city is addressing over $25 million in damage to its waterfront, which included the inundation of more than 200 acres of parks and essential infrastructure. The city has unveiled a design concept for the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery and Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery projects, focusing on environmental restoration, flood mitigation, and recreational amenities.

The storm highlighted a lack of preparedness for mountain communities compared to coastal regions. To address these systemic vulnerabilities, Duke University is collaborating with Bentley Systems to develop a ‘digital twin’ of North Carolina’s Research Triangle. This virtual model of regional infrastructure—including roads, bridges, and water systems—is intended to help officials simulate and prepare for how such systems might respond to future disasters.