Thousands of students remain out of school weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, complicating recovery efforts for families and communities.
Allyson Chiu and Nicolás Rivero report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- At least 76,000 students in three states are still out of school due to hurricane damage.
- Experts emphasize that school closures delay overall community recovery, as schools are vital to local infrastructure.
- Even when students return, learning and emotional setbacks from the disaster are expected to pose long-term challenges.
Key quote:
“Schools are so integral to community life and community functioning. When schools close, that is a core aspect of community function that ceases to be a part of community life.”
— Lori Peek, director of the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder
Why this matters:
Extended school closures after natural disasters slow both educational progress and community recovery. Rebuilding essential services like schools helps children regain routines, while restoring vital infrastructure for families and local economies.
Related: Hurricane Helene devastates Asheville, a once climate-resilient city
