An Asheville, North Carolina resident sounded the alarm as his community grapples with the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, describing an “apocalyptic weekend” as the death toll continues to rise while millions remain without power and water. Have gone.
“It’s been a incredibly apocalyptic weekend Here for all of us,” said Asheville resident Gregory Harrison. “Almost no gas. There is almost no cell service. There is limited power. Food is limited. There are people who are trying to find potable water to feed their families, to provide water for their children.”
Officials in Asheville are still trying to rescue residents trapped in historic flooding over the weekend that left many without power, running water and access to cell service.
By Sunday morning, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) activated more than 500 soldiers and airmen and more than 200 vehicles and aircraft, including hoist and emergency aviation assets as well as high-water response vehicles.
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene cause record flooding and damage in Asheville, North Carolina on September 28, 2024. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Big Bend, Florida on Thursday night with 140 mph winds and storm surge, killing at least 42 people across several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images))
The NCNG reported that it completed 16 air missions, resulting in the rescue of 119 civilians and 11 pets. It said 41 people were rescued in the North in the largest single mission Asheville in Bumcombe County.
“Our air assets have moved more than 34,000 pounds of cargo, including food, water and medical supplies to be distributed. Over the past 48 hours, we have received a surge of personnel and air assets from Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, Iowa, Florida .South Carolina, and Pennsylvania,” the post from NCNG continued.
Buncombe County Communications Director Lillian Govas urged people in surrounding areas to avoid visiting affected communities to maximize search and rescue efforts.
“Right now, we need people not to come here,” Govas told lawrence jones“We are still in the active search and rescue phase. We have active flooding now. As you said, just a little bit of rain and we will have more mudslides, more mudslides.”
“One of our interstates, I-40, which is the main interstate that takes you from Asheville to the coast, that interstate is closed because the top of a mountain has actually moved down and it’s taken down the entire interstate. Covered up,” he added. , “We have a little narrow passage, and that’s just for our emergency vehicles.”
Video: Hurricane Helene produces record storm surge along Florida’s Gulf Coast
Govas said his community is no longer recognizable after the deadly storm.
“I live in the Black Mountains. What’s there now doesn’t resemble the community where I lived before,” Govas said. “Houses have been completely destroyed. Power lines have been destroyed. Poles have been broken in half and are hanging in other places.”
He added, “Homes have been completely washed away. We don’t have running water, and so this is a really big public health crisis for us right now.”
Appalachian State University student Laci Hentschel said she is one of the lucky residents who has power, water and cell service, but she said she knows people who have lost everything After Helen’s devastation.
“Luckily my apartment was one of those that has a better situation than us, so we have electricity, water and Wi-Fi,” Hentschel told Todd Pirro during “Fox & Friends First” on Monday. “However, the water is still undrinkable, but sadly, all my fellow climbers were saddened to see that… their apartments did not fare so well in this weather.”
She added, “I know people who have lost everything and are now trying to get back on their feet.” “It’s so sad to see all this happen, but I’m glad our community can come together and lift each other up and do what we can for each other in this time of need “
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Another Asheville resident, an art studio owner who fortunately escaped, said she moved to North Carolina after Hurricane Ian in hopes of avoiding another devastating storm.
“I came from Florida after Hurricane Ian. I thought it was a safe area and it’s not safe,” she said. He added, “They said it could happen, but it was hard to believe.”
On Sunday, US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra made an announcement Public Health Emergency (PHE) To North Carolina to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene.
The public health emergency declarations follow President Biden’s emergency declarations for Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Public health emergency declarations provide health care providers and suppliers of Medicare and Medicaid services greater flexibility to meet the emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
Fox News’ Stephanie Price contributed to this report.
