Swannanoa Residents Work Together to Rebuild After Tropical Storm Helene’s Destruction

Swannanoa Residents Climbing Back to Normalcy After Tropical Storm Helene

SWANNANOA – Life is slowly getting back to normal for some residents of Swannanoa after the devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Helene last month. Noe Ramos, a local resident, shared his experience on a sunny Wednesday, almost a month after the storm hit the area. His story reflects both his gradual recovery and the ongoing struggles faced by the wider community.

Rebuilding in the Aftermath

Speaking from his home on Tanglewood Drive, Ramos said, “We’re hanging in there.” He and his girlfriend, Anna Vertefeuille, have seen slow improvements, with power restored after a challenging 15-day wait. Unfortunately, clean water took even longer to return and is still useless for anything but flushing toilets.

Ramos’ sister had to move in with them after her home suffered significant damage from falling trees and flooding. Her home lies just down the hill, and she’s currently working tirelessly to rebuild, navigating the challenging landscape Helene left behind. As families come together during difficult times, Ramos and Vertefeuille also stepped up by gathering supplies for their loved ones, as they had done on a recent trip to Grovemont Park.

The Night of the Storm

When Tropical Storm Helene barreled through Swannanoa on September 27, safety was the priority for Ramos and Vertefeuille. Ramos was on-call for work that night when the fire department began alerting residents to evacuate. The couple was concerned when they couldn’t reach Ramos’ sister, prompting them to make their way through treacherous, calf-deep water that quickly rose. As they navigated their way through the chaos, they witnessed trees crashing down around them.

Once they reached his sister, they quickly helped carry out the kids to safety. They all made their way to the main road, but fallen power lines caused further challenges that day. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reunited at Owen Middle School, where a shelter had been established, and took refuge there for the night.

Finding a New Normal

Now, with a month of recovery behind them, Ramos expresses relief at being able to shop at the local Ingles store. “Getting real food instead of canned goods is such a blessing,” he said, further explaining how meals from local resources had become the lifeline for many families in recent weeks. “To me, normal looks like going back to work,” he said, emphasizing the importance of regaining routine.

Dining out, too, has played a significant role in restoring a sense of normalcy. Ramos mentioned that they’ve enjoyed meals at local favorites like My Father’s Pizza and Thai Basil in Black Mountain. This simple act of enjoying a meal at a restaurant is a welcome change from the uncertainty they have been living with.

Community Support and Continued Needs

However, while Ramos finds his footing, the recovery process is far from over for others in the community. His sister and cousin remain without power, highlighting the ongoing challenges many are still facing. Ramos emphasized the need for more aid that isn’t limited to food supplies alone. “Money, supplies, and help with rebuilding are crucial,” he urged, as he sees people who once called Swannanoa home now living in tents where their houses used to stand.

“I’d like to see those people get a home back,” he said, stressing the importance of helping everyone, not just himself and his family. “Just keep helping us until everything’s back to normal.”

The Road Ahead

As the community continues to recover, it’s clear that resilience is the name of the game. Residents like Ramos highlight not just personal challenges but a shared commitment to see Swannanoa restored fully. Together, they are determined to climb back to normalcy as a united front, proving the strength of community in times of crisis.