The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction in western North Carolina, and one of its victims is Hendersonville Pediatrics. The practice, which has served its community since 1952, found itself submerged under five feet of water, leaving nothing untouched. The author of this harrowing tale, a practitioner at the pediatric office, recounts the heart-wrenching experience of watching their life's work and community roots drown in the floodwaters. Despite holding four insurance policies with two different providers, including two specific flood insurance policies, the business has yet to receive any compensation from insurance companies.
The author's neighborhood remains in recovery mode, grappling with the aftermath of one of the most catastrophic flooding events in recent memory. Hurricane Helene's impact was profound, not just on businesses but personal lives as well. The author's sons' soccer fields at Highland Football Club in Asheville were obliterated, erasing cherished memories and future opportunities. The author reflects on the loss while emphasizing the broader implications for the community, including familiar places like Biltmore Village, which holds personal significance as a place for dining, shopping, and resting.
The destruction did not end with physical spaces. Inside the pediatric office, essential components of daily operations were lost—walls, examination tables, files, flooring, cabinets, lab equipment, desks, and nursing stations were all swept away. This comprehensive loss underscores the challenges faced by many in disaster-stricken areas who might lose everything or almost everything they hold dear.
As the author shares their story with Zócalo Public Square, they express a deep concern for others facing similar plights. Watching news coverage of fires raging in and around Los Angeles serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and violence of natural disasters. This visual trigger ignites worries that residents there might lack appropriate fire insurance, potentially facing the same bureaucratic hurdles and financial uncertainty that now loom over Hendersonville Pediatrics.
The author’s narrative highlights a critical issue—the financial fragility of insurance providers amidst widespread disasters. There is an unsettling possibility that their insurance company might face bankruptcy, which would further delay any potential payout for months. This looming threat adds another layer of stress for those hoping to rebuild their lives and businesses after such devastating losses.
Amidst this challenging environment, the author urges others to evaluate their insurance policies proactively. Ensuring adequate coverage could mean the difference between recovery and ruin when disaster strikes. The author's experience underscores the necessity for communities nationwide to prepare meticulously against the backdrop of increasing natural disasters.