Asheville Residents Face Challenges After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, North Carolina, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has left parts of the region devastated after days of relentless rain and strong winds. The storm brought destruction to homes, utilities, and roadways, stranding hundreds of residents and causing widespread chaos in the community. The severity of the storm has led to an alarming death toll that has surpassed 100 throughout the southeastern United States, with significant impacts felt here in Asheville and surrounding areas.
A Son’s Journey
One Asheville resident, Sam Perkins, found himself helpless and worried when he hadn’t heard from his elderly parents, who live tucked away in a mountain home between Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland. After two days of uncertainty, he decided to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to reach them. “My parents live in an absolute gem of the North Carolina mountains,” Perkins shared, explaining how this area, typically serene and isolated, was now besieged by the storm’s aftermath. “Little did I know that up there, Helene has demolished roads, homes, and utility networks. This area is completely cut off from resources in every direction.”
Upon realizing that the roads were blocked by landslides and failures, Perkins parked near a closed highway and set out on foot. “I can’t tell you how many failing roads and deep mudslides I had to cross. It felt like an obstacle course out there!” he recounted. After hiking for over three hours, traversing approximately 11 miles and climbing 2,200 feet, he finally reached his parents’ home. The sight of them safe and well was overwhelming. “I have never been so relieved,” he said, noting that while they had food, they were running low on water and completely cut off from the outside world.
Community Resilience
Despite the chaos, the sense of community spirit has been evident. Perkins observed that everyone was looking out for one another, showcasing the famous Southern Hospitality that the region is known for. His mother even managed to send him a message, which primarily focused on gathering supplies for their neighbors, highlighting a strong bond among the community.
Reports from McDowell County, located just east of Buncombe County, tell similar stories of survival and resilience. Emergency crews have conducted over 20 air rescues since the storm began. Victims such as Jim and Allie Bourdy, who were displaced when the Swannanoa River overflowed, lost everything in the flooding. They managed to survive by retreating to their neighbor’s roof with their dog, Piper, using makeshift flotation devices to escape the rising waters. “We lost literally everything,” Jim recounted with a heavy heart, showing the true extent of the storm’s destruction.
Challenges Ahead
As recovery efforts continue, the state is facing challenges. Over 280 roads remain closed, severely hampering access to critical areas. Governor Roy Cooper has declared Helene to be “one of the worst storms in modern history.” He stressed that the need for relief supplies is great, but getting them to those in need has been difficult due to the damaged roadways. “Power restoration could take weeks in some of the hardest-hit areas,” Cooper explained.
Locals, like school nurse Meredith Keisler, are banding together to help one another. Collecting firewood to cook food on a grill, she shared her astonishment at the scale of devastation in Asheville. “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Keisler said, voicing the sentiment of many affected residents. Michelle Coleman, the executive director of a local outreach organization, described the situation as the most devastating she’s ever witnessed in Asheville, but echoed the hope of community solidarity.
A Lasting Impact
Meanwhile, residents like Gary O’Dell, a disabled Vietnam War veteran, found relief in neighbors lending a hand. Sharing resources like oxygen tanks with others in need emphasized the strong sense of community. Like many others, O’Dell expressed gratitude for having a home to return to despite the challenges faced. He noted, “There’s just so many people in worse shape than me. We’re lucky to be safe.”
As Asheville continues to navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the stories of resilience, community support, and challenges faced paint a picture of strength in the face of adversity. As cleanup and recovery efforts ramp up, the unity shown by Asheville’s residents serves as a beacon of hope for what lies ahead.
