BOONE, N.C. (SESN) — Appalachian State University is working to recover from the significant damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene, which brought widespread flooding and destruction to its Boone and Hickory campuses. The university has entered emergency mode, and classes are canceled until the end of the week as crews work to address the aftermath.
Several parts of the campus have been severely impacted. Roads and sidewalks are washed out, trees are down, and debris covers many areas. Although no dormitories have been structurally compromised, areas of the campus have been cordoned off due to safety concerns.
The university is currently operating under a condition 3 closure, meaning only essential services are available to students, such as dormitories, the main cafeteria, the campus clinic, and the gym. The boil water advisory in Boone was lifted as of Monday, but App State is encouraging the community to conserve water by limiting the length of showers and using dishwashers only when full.
Interim Chancellor Heather Norris expressed deep gratitude to the emergency responders and staff members working tirelessly through these challenging conditions. “Some of our students, faculty, and staff have lost everything, yet our team has remained focused on serving others,” Norris said. “We are leveraging every available resource to assist both our campus and the surrounding community as we continue to assess the full extent of the damage.”
As the university begins to rebuild, Norris urged the community to stay safe and follow all guidelines related to limited water usage and restricted access to campus. The safety of students and staff remains the highest priority.
App State has established two funds to assist in the recovery process: the Campus Recovery Fund and the Community Support Fund. These funds will go toward rebuilding efforts on campus and supporting those in the community who have suffered significant losses. Donations can be made through the university’s website.
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support, both from within our community and beyond. Every contribution helps us rebuild and move forward,” Norris added.
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