Hurricane Helene base camps cost North Carolina more than $111 million, state auditor says

Hurricane Helene base camps cost North Carolina more than $111 million, state auditor saysHurricane Helene Aftermath (Photo: WCCB Charlotte / MGN)RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina’s response to Hurricane Helene included 55 base camps across western North Carolina that cost more than $111 million over seven months, according to a new report from the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor. Base camps averaged more than $500,000 per dayAccording to the audit, NCEM’s total expenses for the 55 base camps reached $111,067,464.25, an average of approximately $516,593 per day over the seven-month period. “These base camps were an essential service in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” State Auditor Dave Boliek said. While the base camps were established in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, the findings could have implications for disaster planning statewide, including future hurricane responses in Eastern North Carolina. The report comes as North Carolina continues to evaluate its response to Hurricane Helene and prepare for future emergencies.