### Language Barriers Hinder Aid to Latino Communities in Storm-Ravaged North Carolina

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Latino communities in North Carolina are struggling to receive aid due to language barriers and other obstacles.

Maria Salgado quickly leaped into action as soon as she saw a pickup truck loaded with supplies arrive at her mobile home park, Alan Campos, in Swannanoa. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Salgado took on the role of translator for a group of Spanish speakers who gathered behind her. In the truck was a family from Georgia who had rushed to North Carolina as soon as they heard about the severe impact of the hurricane. Using broken Spanish, they attempted to communicate with the residents, handing out bottled water with phrases like "Agua, aquí."

Alan Campos is home to a community of immigrants from Mexico and Central America. Located between the hard-hit towns of Black Mountain and Swannanoa, the residents narrowly escaped the initial onslaught of flooding that rushed into their mobile homes. As of Thursday, many families, including those with young children, are still without basic utilities such as flushing water and reliable cellphone service. Those whose homes are still livable are sheltering others, resulting in overcrowded conditions. One three-bedroom trailer, for instance, has accommodated about 12 people.

Despite the hardships, Salgado expressed resilience. "We don't have a lot right now, but we have each other," she said.

Nearly a week has passed since Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, and although aid has started to reach some of the most affected areas, delivering assistance to non-English-speaking communities like Alan Campos remains a significant challenge.