Devastation, doubt and blame: Hurricane Helene looms over North Carolina’s US Senate race

Two years after Hurricane Helene, the worst natural disaster in North Carolina's history, devastated the state's western half, recovery efforts are still contentious. While some areas appear normal with reopened roads and lively downtowns, lingering impacts like vacant storefronts and waterway debris are visible. The hurricane's aftermath has become a central issue in North Carolina's US Senate race, with both the Democratic and Republican candidates blaming each other for the bungled recovery. This ongoing debate highlights the long-term political and economic consequences of the disaster and its relevance to the upcoming election.