Amid Devastation, Asheville Neighbors Unite to Rebuild After Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which tore through the southeastern United States, western North Carolina is facing its darkest hour. At least 130 lives have been lost, and in Asheville, hundreds of people are still missing, their families clinging to hope as rescue teams work around the clock. Entire neighborhoods remain isolated, with impassable roads cutting off communities and leaving residents to grapple with an unimaginable disaster.

“It was way worse than we expected. We were not preparing for an event like this,” says Teall-Fleming, an Asheville resident. His words echo the sentiments of many who underestimated the fury of Helene, as drone footage captures the unprecedented scale of destruction. Homes have been swallowed by floodwaters, and downed trees lie scattered across streets and fields. The city, once bustling with life, now struggles to rise from the rubble.

Governor Roy Cooper expressed the gravity of the situation: “We are dealing with a situation that is unlike anything anybody has ever seen in western North Carolina.” The storm’s aftermath has left more than 600 people missing in Buncombe County alone. With cell service down and roads impassable, the efforts to locate survivors are painfully slow. Despite the overwhelming odds, 92 rescue teams continue their search, while National Guard units from eight states rush to aid the effort.

As residents await help, the people of Asheville have begun to lean on each other. Long lines form outside grocery stores, as locals scramble for supplies to see them through the coming days. In the midst of uncertainty, small acts of kindness are keeping hope alive. Sommerville Johnston, another Asheville resident, shared how the community is coming together in a unique way. “We are hosting a potluck tonight. Everybody bring your own bowl and spoons, and we are sharing food.”

This gathering speaks to the resilient spirit of the people. While the future remains uncertain, the warmth of community is providing a much-needed sense of comfort. Asheville’s residents may be cut off from the rest of the world, but they are not alone.

Further east in Rutherford County, the once-serene landscape of Lake Lure is now unrecognizable. Trees have been uprooted, and homes near the shoreline sit submerged in murky waters, their foundations barely visible beneath debris-strewn streets. Yet, amidst the destruction, efforts to rebuild are taking shape.

Former President Donald Trump and evangelist Franklin Graham visited Valdosta, Georgia, bringing much-needed awareness and support to affected regions. “Thank you, Mr. President, for coming and helping to put a spotlight on this city, this state, and this region that has lost so much,” Graham said, as the two men stood in solidarity with those affected by the storm.

While the road to recovery will be long, humanitarian organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and CBN’s Operation Blessing are already mobilizing resources to provide aid to the most devastated areas. President Biden is expected to visit North Carolina soon, promising emergency disaster funds to help rebuild shattered communities.

As Asheville and its neighboring towns take their first steps towards recovery, the strength of human connection remains their guiding light. Together, they are finding ways to overcome even the darkest of days.