LIVE UPDATES, Oct. 1: Water and food distribution

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — These are the live updates for October 1 following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which hit Western North Carolina September 26-27.

10 a.m. – Buncombe County Update

Buncombe County officials provide updates on Helene's recovery efforts. The meeting is expected to begin at 10 a.m

7:15 a.m. – Update on trash, schools, cell phones

Hosts Charles Perez and Karen Zatkulak spoke with Lillian Govus, Buncombe County's director of communications and public engagement, who said things are improving today but work is still progressing slowly.

Govus announced the following updates:

Garbage: Garbage collection has been suspended indefinitely. The landfill is open, but the transfer station is closed, Govus said, and that could take quite a while. Curbie Recycling in Weaverville also remains closed indefinitely.

Schools: Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools are also closed indefinitely.

Cellular service: There is a tower at 35 Woodfin Street, and Govus said more resources are being added. She said: “I believe we will see great advances in cellular services and Wi-Fi capabilities today.”

Water distribution: Buncombe County set up the four water distribution sites today, but Govus said the community can expect additional sites in the coming days. “These are just the first four that were available when we opened, but we expect to expand and offer more,” she said.

6:30 a.m. – The City of Asheville, Buncombe County, announces water distribution locations

The City of Asheville and Buncombe County have announced water distribution locations for Tuesday, October 1st.

For the City of Asheville, Pack Square will distribute the water and residents will be required to bring their own containers. There is a limit of two gallons per person or five gallons per family. Distribution begins at 9 a.m

There will be four locations for Buncombe County: Sandy Hill Elementary, North Windy Ridge Intermediate School, Fairview Elementary School and Estes Elementary School.

6:30 a.m. – Henderson County announces water and utility distribution locations

Starting at 9 a.m. today, Henderson County will have six Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available, according to a news release.

Below you will find the locations:

• Etowah Elementary, 320 Etowah School Road Etowah
• Rugby Middle, 3345 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville
• East Henderson High, 150 Eagle Pride Dr, East Flat Rock
• North Henderson High, 35 Fruitland Rd, Hendersonville
• Mills River City Hall, 124 Town Center Drive. Mills River
• Fletcher City Hall, 300 Old Cane Creek Rd Fletcher

Each family unit receives supplies for a daily meal and water if available. To ensure an efficient process, individuals are asked to enter the drive-thru resource centers and remain in their cars unless volunteers direct otherwise.

To keep the resource centers running smoothly, efficiently and safely, officials are asking the public to be patient as they wait for their supplies.

Hurricane Helene sends Black Mountain residents marching to rebuild

5:30 a.m. – Recovery station destroyed, crew safe

The Salvage Station on Riverside Drive posted an emotional post on Facebook saying there was good news and bad news.

“Like many businesses in our region, Salvage Station was completely destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The extent to which this storm has impacted our area is absolutely immeasurable,” the post reads.

But the post said the entire crew was safe and taking good care of each other.

“We were even able to find our three Salvage Station cats, who miraculously survived the storm and were excited to be fed and loved. Our community is currently still in survival mode and has very few resources, no electricity, water or fuel. Communication is spotty so we will update as soon as we can… big love,” the post reads.

5 a.m. – Chick-fil-A in Hendersonville to assist first responders

The Chick-fil-A in Hendersonville, 52 Highlands Square Drive, posted on social media that it will be offering meals to first responders on Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

“Please share this with your first responders and your friends and family. If your crew cannot make it to our store and you need to take them with you, please call 828-693-8080,” the post reads.

The post states that the restaurant is scheduled to open to the public on October 3rd.

“It’s just devastating:” Yancey County faces a long recovery after Helene

5 a.m. – Biltmore Estate reopens on October 3rd

Biltmore Estate announced on social media that it will remain closed until October 3rd.

“This is a heartbreaking situation for our community and region. The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority and we appreciate your patience as we assess the damage from last weekend's storm and work to repair communications channels,” the post reads.

Updates on Biltmore Estate will be available at website.