Three weeks after Hurricane Helene ravaged North Carolina, Biltmore Estate, America's biggest home is reopening its doors, as confirmed by The Herald.
The massive 8,000-acre estate was subjected to "extensive" damage in light of the tropical storm, but is all set to get things up and running on November 2- right on time for its annual holiday event, Christmas at Biltmore.
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According to the officials of the estate, the staff is still clearing remnants of wood debris from the property of the most popular tourist go-tos in the state. Furthermore, some of the roads are yet to open for use, and, per the outlet, the Trails and the Outdoor Adventure Center remain closed until further notice.
Biltmore Estate thanks all the "generous people" who have lent a hand in recovery in an Instagram post
According to Fox29, the forest areas had taken a hit when Hurricane Helene tore through on September 28, and Biltmore's entrance, located in Biltmore Village, was victim to intense flood damage.
Furthermore, a few of the estate's animals perished on-site. However, the winery, gardens, and hotels made it through with minimal damage.
In an Instagram post that came out on Saturday, the Biltmore Estate penned,
"For more than 125 years, Biltmore has been a witness to the resilience of this community. The compassion and resolve of our region have been rising every day from beneath the weight of this storm. Thanks to the incredible work of so many generous people, recovery is happening all around us."
The post continued,
"We are pleased to share that Biltmore plans to reopen and celebrate the joy of the holiday season together during #ChristmasatBiltmore, beginning November 2. Welcoming guests back to the estate provides critical support to our community, and we hope to welcome you very soon."
The post continued, urging those interested and those willing to help to head to the link in their bio, i.e. Biltmore.com. The link redirects to a website of their $2 million pledge to help victims of the storm.
Biltmore Estate pledges $2 million to the victims of Hurricane Helene
The website states that the Biltmore Estate has
"Launched a $2 million Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC to support employees in crisis, providing support to area non-profits aiding our region, and investing in the recovery of our community."
It continued, noting that the website has been
"Assisting with historic collection removal and temporary storage for The Cathedral of All Souls," and, "Providing donations of food to Meals on Wheels, potable water to World Central Kitchen, cold-weather supplies to ABCCM, and temporary canopies for FEMA sites."
The website also urges all the local organizations in need of a grant to apply to The Community Foundation of WNC. The site also ends with a note penned to "our community."
"We are heartbroken for our friends, family, and neighbors across this region who have been devastated by this storm. To our first responders, utility workers, and community volunteers, we are deeply grateful for your endless compassion, care, and courage. We will all work together to recover from this unprecedented event."
According to The Herald, Hurricane Helene claimed the lives of at least 95 people in the state, atop the extensive flooding and damage to western North Carolina.
Furthermore, about 90 people, at the very least, are yet to be found, given that whole communities residing in the mountain areas went missing. In Biltmore Estate's vicinity alone, about 72 deaths were confirmed, NPR reported.
While several businesses and roads in the community, and the state at large, have since resumed operations, areas are still reeling from the devastation, with many currently in the process of renovation.
Visitors who wish to make their way to the Biltmore Estate will have to plan what route to take in advance, given the ongoing recovery efforts.
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