Hurricane Helene has devastated the Southeast, leaving 132 dead and nearly 600 missing as of Monday. The storm’s catastrophic impact is evident in shattered homes, crushed cargo containers, and mud-covered highways.
Western North Carolina has been particularly hard hit, with infrastructure failures cutting off roads and disrupting power and communications. Residents are struggling to access basic necessities like clean water and being able to contact loved ones.
Read: Beyond Asheville: Widespread Devastation in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
Relief efforts are underway, with government and aid organizations attempting to reach isolated communities through various means.
President Biden is scheduled to visit North Carolina on Wednesday to assess the damage and coordinate federal response efforts.
The full extent of the devastation is still being assessed, but accounts from residents paint a grim picture. In Black Mountain, a village near Asheville, Alyssa Hudson reported seeing bodies in trees and under rubble, with homes destroyed and belongings scattered for miles.
In Chimney Rock, local businesses that rely on tourism have been washed away into Lake Lure. Ed Broyhill, a GOP national committee member and local homeowner, described the scene as “the saddest thing in the world.”
How You Can Help:
- Donate to reputable organizations: Consider donating to organizations like the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, or local charities actively involved in relief efforts.
- Volunteer your time: If you’re in the affected area, consider volunteering your time to help with cleanup and recovery efforts.
- Spread awareness: Share information about the situation on social media and encourage others to donate or volunteer.
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