Rescue, relief and recovery efforts are still underway to restore the damage left behind in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
Wednesday morning, nearly one week after Helen swept through the state as a tropical storm, thousands of people are still without power and many fatalities and injuries are still being assessed by officials.
While state and local agencies continue to provide updates on road closures and repairs, electricity restoration and storm damage cleanup, many social media videos and photos are also circulating online showcasing the damage and destruction — and even rescues — in some regions hit heavily by the storm in Western NC.
From its first arrival in the area to several days after its landfall, here’s a look at some of the areas hit hardest by Helene in the mountain communities of the state (warning: some videos may contain strong language).
@tanyamichellemamalife Y’all this is the devastation in the Banner Elk, and Newland area after hurricane Helene. I know the Asheville area is getting a lot of attention because of the size and popularity, but there’s other towns that were wiped off of the map as well. I have friends and family that are in these areas and have been affected. I have friends that are still stuck and there’s no way to get to them except by helicopter. This video and photos were taken by my friend Lynn’s niece in Avery County. Prayers only go so far, donations and if you’re able to help is huge as well. If you have vacation plans to the Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia area please cancel and show these individual some grace. I have seen so many comments from people going I wonder if I’ll get a refund. I get it. It’s a lot of money, but these people lost their lives and livelihood. They still don’t have power, some don’t have homes and this is gonna take a while to build out of. This doesn’t only apply to North Carolina, but includes Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and if you can donate your time, money or food to the food banks, please do so. #h#hurricanehelenen#northcarolinaw#westernnch#hurricanedamagea#averycountyncb#bannerelkncd#donatel@lynnpoovey ♬ Ambient-style emotional piano - MoppySound
@lexh77 What we thought was going to be our honeymoon, turned out to be a week that would change our lives drastically. From having to evacuate from Florida and thinking we’d be safe from the hurricane, to stopping at Kyler’s hometown in Burnsville, NC before the hurricane we never thought we would be in this situation. From seeing this town in pieces, to gas stations for miles out of gas, no power and no cell service almost going on a week. We praise God that we are alive and safe. We pray for the many families who were also affected from this hurricane and for all the cities that were hit. #burnsville#northcarolina#hurricanehelene#fyp#hurricane#wnc#westernnorthcarolina♬ original sound - xavier
You can find more information about Helene-related information, updates and resources, including power outages, open shelters and crisis cleanup,online at ncdps.gov/helene.
A person walks by a section of washed out road near Highway 421 in Boone, N.C., days after Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and flooding to the western part of the state. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
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Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA.Support my work with a digital subscription
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