In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Asheville, North Carolina, finds itself grappling with an unprecedented catastrophe. Residents are describing the aftermath of the storm as nothing short of “apocalyptic,” as widespread devastation has left the community in chaos. Gregory Harrison, a local resident, detailed the harsh reality on the ground, stating, “Almost no gas. There is almost no cell service. There’s limited power. There is limited food. There are people who are trying to find potable water to feed their families, to have water for their kids.” These words paint a grim picture of the ongoing crisis, as basic necessities have become scarce for many.
The deadly storm has brought historic flooding to the region, cutting off power, water, and communication services for large portions of Asheville and surrounding areas. As rescue efforts continue, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) has mobilized over 500 soldiers, airmen, and a fleet of more than 200 vehicles and aircraft to assist in recovery operations. The NCNG has already completed numerous air rescue missions, saving 119 people and even 11 pets from peril, with their largest mission rescuing 41 individuals in Buncombe County.
Incredible video from Vlado Novakovic of #CLT watching the vacation homes he built between Spear & Ingalls, North Carolina wash away during #Helene. #ncwx #cltwx #scwx @spann @JimCantore @BigJoeBastardi @StormHour @EFisherWX @ReedTimmerUSA @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/o5CXbMNGAi
— Al Conklin WBTV (@AlConklin) September 30, 2024
Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire. Lillian Govus, communications director for Buncombe County, emphasized the urgency of ongoing rescue operations, urging outsiders to stay away for now. “We are still in an active search and rescue phase,” she warned, pointing out that even small amounts of rain could trigger more landslides and flooding. One of the main arteries into Asheville, Interstate 40, remains blocked after a mountain slid down onto the highway, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.
Govus described the devastation in her community as unimaginable. “What is there now does not resemble anything of the community where I lived before,” she said, recounting the destruction of homes and critical infrastructure. Power lines are destroyed, snapped poles dangle precariously, and houses have been swept away, leaving many without basic utilities like water, which is now a public health crisis. The damage has rendered much of the region unrecognizable, and the absence of running water poses a serious risk to those left behind.
Biltmore Village in Asheville, North Carolina after the floodwater receded. Again, I have no words. These images speak for themselves…..pic.twitter.com/CyAUOSHLkD
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) September 30, 2024
The devastation is unimaginable, and the widely circulated videos only give a glimpse at the devastation. According to a recent report, there are more rural areas that rescuers haven’t been able to get into yet. So what does Biden say when asked why he didn’t return to DC to lead the country through a devastating situation?
He whines:
JUST IN: President Biden says he “was commanding” after a reporter asks what he is doing to help hurricane victims in the Southeast.
Reporter: “On the hurricane, why weren’t you and VP Harris here in Washington commanding this this weekend?”
Biden: “I was commanding.”
Locals… pic.twitter.com/OmHjqjqyLa
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 30, 2024
While some have managed to avoid the worst, such as Appalachian State University student Laci Hentschel, many others have lost everything. Hentschel’s apartment still has power, water, and Wi-Fi, but she remains acutely aware of those less fortunate. “It’s just really sad to see all of my fellow mountaineers… their apartments just didn’t fare as well,” she said, echoing the collective grief and frustration of her community.
Another Asheville resident, who moved from Florida after surviving Hurricane Ian, expressed disbelief that she has once again found herself in the midst of a major natural disaster. “I came from Florida after Hurricane Ian. I thought this is the area to be safe and this is not safe,” she lamented, highlighting the unexpected nature of the storm’s impact.
This is the most terrifying debris flow video I have seen from the flooding in East Tennessee/Western North Carolina#HurricaneHelene #tnwx #ncwx #flood pic.twitter.com/gDCI09Ge4a
— Alan (@smokiesvol) September 28, 2024
In response to the unfolding disaster, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra declared a public health emergency for North Carolina. This move follows emergency declarations by President Biden for several southern states, including Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. The public health emergency status will allow healthcare providers more flexibility to address the medical needs of those affected by the storm, including vulnerable Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
As Asheville and other communities across the Southeast struggle to recover from Hurricane Helene, the resilience and spirit of the people remain a beacon of hope.
