BOONE, N.C. — A year after the floodwaters of Helene tore through Boone, signs of recovery can be seen across the High Country. But for many residents, the memories and the struggles remain fresh.

When Helene hit last September, water rushed into homes, businesses, and apartment complexes. Among the hardest hit was the Bavarian Village Apartments, where residents were forced to evacuate as water rose quickly, sweeping away cars, furniture, and in some cases, entire lives.

Most of those who lived there have since moved away. Two of the residents who remain, Jayden Alimonda and Suto Buffkin, said the recovery has been slow, but they’re grateful to still call Boone and Bavarian Village home.

“It happened so fast,” Buffkin recalled. “Within four hours it went from water on the ground to nea

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