Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene wreak havoc in Asheville, leaving the city cut off from the outside world due to damaged roads, power outages, and a lack of cellphone service. The remnants of the hurricane have caused widespread destruction in southern Appalachia, resulting in an unknown number of casualties and leaving families anxious about their loved ones’ safety.
In western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, authorities have been conducting helicopter rescues to save people stranded on rooftops, including at a flooded hospital. Over 400 roads in North Carolina remain closed as floodwaters start to recede, revealing the full extent of the damage. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has organised airlifts of supplies to the affected areas.
Amidst the chaos, nurse Janetta Barfield shared her harrowing experience of being trapped in her car as water rapidly rose around her. Gas stations were shut, and those open had long queues due to power outages. Asheville, known for its tourism and art scene, was eerily quiet as floodwaters engulfed popular neighbourhoods. Over 700,000 customers were without power in North Carolina, with interstate routes impassable in multiple locations.
The lack of cellular service in Asheville added to the residents’ challenges, as authorities struggled to communicate critical information. Initial assessments suggest a grim scenario with loss of life, although specifics are yet to be confirmed. The storm’s unexpected intensity caught many off guard, with officials facing a series of emergencies ranging from heavy rain to mudslides.
Residents like Francine Cavanaugh from Atlanta are desperate to reach family and friends in Asheville. Across the state line in Greene County, Tennessee, the situation remains precarious, with concerns over dam breaches. In Newport, Tennessee, flooding has caused significant damage, leaving business owners like Kendale Ball devastated.
Elin Fisher’s account of moving campers to safety in Unicoi County paints a picture of rapid and terrifying water levels. The uncertainty and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene serve as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. The community’s resilience will be tested as they come together to rebuild and recover from this natural disaster.