Uncertainty Looms in Asheville as Families Search for Missing Loved Ones
Asheville, N.C. is experiencing a wave of concern as the aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to impact the community. It has now been 17 days since the storm devastated the area, and many families are left in a state of worry, hoping for news of their missing loved ones. For the families of those unaccounted for, this uncertainty can be incredibly distressing.
Frustration Surrounds Missing Persons Count
Gathering an accurate count of those still missing is proving to be quite the challenge. Local authorities, along with various agencies such as FEMA, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, and Buncombe County, have each compiled their own lists, but there has not been a central database to provide an official count. This lack of coordination has led to **frustration among families**, who find themselves running in circles as they reach out to multiple organizations in search of information.
One of those families is the Traina family, with Katie Traina expressing deep concern for her older brother, Christopher. “He loves it up there,” she shared while discussing Chris’s adventures around Asheville. Just days before the hurricane hit, the family had been in touch with him. “He was just exploring the area,” Katie explained. However, after the storm, attempts to contact him have been met with silence.
Community Response and Voluntary Support
Despite the chaos, locals and volunteers have jumped into action. Organizations like the Buncombe County Rescue Squad have dedicated thousands of hours to search efforts. “We’re grateful for all the help and the volunteers out there,” Katie added, as her family continues to share Christopher’s picture on social media in the hopes of finding him.
The Process of Search and Rescue
According to Jeff Stilber, the Search & Rescue Division Team Leader for the Buncombe County Rescue Squad, there were around 200 cases that required escalation due to their **specific travels and circumstances**. “Some areas were completely inaccessible because of landslides or washed-out bridges, which made it difficult to reach individuals,” Stilber said. It seems that mild preparation has helped many remain safe, but it has complicated the search for others.
“Those on the list may just be out of contact due to the conditions,” Stilber noted, adding that a large number of individuals were eventually located. The remaining cases were handed over to the sheriff’s office for further follow-up.
Combining Resources to Find Answers
One significant challenge lies in merging the various lists each agency has compiled. “We are slowly getting to a point where we can formulate one unified list,” said an official involved in the efforts, but verifying each organization’s records takes time. Families waiting for news are feeling the weight of this endless process, with many eager for any information that could help locate their loved ones.
A Call for Help
“If anyone has seen or knows where Chris might be, please let him know that he has a large support group back home waiting for him,” Katie expressed. This heartfelt plea echoes the sentiment of many families grappling with their own concerns.
If anyone knows of any missing individuals, several methods are available to report names and provide the necessary information. Family members and friends hold onto **hope** as the community bands together during this challenging time.
