A week after Helene hit, thousands still without water struggle to find enough

People carry bags of fresh water after filling up at a distribution site in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Oct. 2, 2024, in Asheville, NC. Volunteers stage water for citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Sept. 30, 2024, in Asheville, NC.

Nearly a week after Hurricane Helene brought devastation to western North Carolina, a shiny stainless steel tanker truck in downtown Asheville attracted residents carrying 19-liter containers, milk jugs and buckets to fill with what has become a desperately scare resource — drinking water.