{
  "id": 11727408,
  "title": "Four Helene-damaged NC homes repaired after storm will now be demolished in FEMA buyouts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/four-helene-damaged-nc-homes-repaired-after-storm-will-now-be",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T16:32:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/four-north-carolina-homes-damaged-by-helene-were-repaired-with-owners-money-and-volunteer-help-two-years-later-fema-buyouts-mean-the-livable-houses-will-be-demolished-and-returned-to-green-space/articleshow/134636925.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two years after Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding in western North Carolina, four homes in Hendersonville's Cottages at Cypress Run neighbourhood are set to be demolished. The homes were damaged during the September 2024 storm and were repaired using homeowners' funds and volunteer assistance. However, the owners have accepted FEMA buyouts due to safety concerns. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, 535 of 892 flood-prone homes have been approved for voluntary acquisition. Acquired properties are demolished, and the land is returned to natural areas to reduce future flood risk. The timing of the demolition has raised questions among residents, as some believe it would have been better to repurpose the livable homes for those who lost theirs in the storm. FEMA explains that the buyouts aim to reduce long-term flood-risk by acquiring and converting vulnerable properties into green space.",
  "summary": "In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, four homes in the Cottages at Cypress Run neighborhood in Hendersonville face demolition due to severe flooding. Previously, these homes were repaired through homeowner efforts and community volunteerism. To address the persistent flood threats, homeowners have chosen FEMA's voluntary buyouts, aligning with the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program's initiative to…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}