September 30, 2024

USA: Hurricane Helene Decemated Historic Village Of Chimney Rock, Swannanoa, Historic Biltmore Village Asheville In North Carolina. 40 Dead. 400,000 Without Power. No Cell, Internet Service.

source: WCNC Weather Impact Team, Forecast made September 25, 2024
WRAL published September 30, 2024: Federal Aid Timeline for Western North Carolina Post Hurricane Helene.

The distribution of supplies comes after Friday’s historic flooding left hundreds of thousands of people without water, food, power and cell service. As of 4 p.m. ET Monday, Gov. Roy Cooper said North Carolina still had 415,000 power outages. He said 92 search-and-rescue teams are working as of Monday afternoon.

As floodwaters recede, the area is cleaning up from the damage left behind. Some in the city of Asheville were without cellphone service, power and water for four days and counting.

How to apply for FEMA assistance after Helene. FEMA can help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

There are several ways to apply:
  • Go to DisasterAssistance.gov
  • use the FEMA App
  • Call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST daily. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Here's a list of what you'll need to apply:
  • A current phone number where you can be contacted
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
  • Your Social Security number
  • A general list of damage and losses
  • Banking information if you choose direct deposit
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
  • More resources are available on FEMA's website. .
WCNC news published September 30, 2024: 'Totally gone': Chimney Rock destroyed by Hurricane Helene. At least 90 people have been confirmed dead in connection with Hurricane Helene, including 30 in North Carolina's Buncombe County, officials said.

About 110 miles northwest of Charlotte, the village of Chimney Rock was among the communities hit hardest by Helene. People there say the devastation is "worse than you can ever imagine."

George Carter, a North Carolina restaurant owner told NBC News he's been driving up the mountain from his home in Lake Lure to get enough cell service to contact families and neighbors. Carter said he doesn't know anyone personally who died in the storm, but the devastation is shocking.

"There's mud everywhere," Carter said. "Buildings are gone. Streets are gone. Homes are completely gone or damaged. May be 40% of Chimney Rock is still there. The stuff that's still there is filled with mud and smashed up."
WTVC News Channel9 published September 30, 2024: "It's emotional:" Small North Carolina community devastated by flood damage after Hurricane Helene.

Swannanoa, N.C. residents and emergency personnel, including Buncombe County Sheriff's deputies, walked down US Highway 70 on Sunday, Sept. 29, looking at the devastation to the community from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

The Davidson Road Bridge collapsed and debris from the force of floodwaters remained on the bridge that had onlookers staring in disbelief.

During a news conference, county officials said there are search and rescues underway. But, residents News 13 spoke with said there is concern that the community has suffered deaths during the floods the past several days.

Hensley is referring to the rural parts of the Swannanoa where there are multiple reports of missing persons.

In the Bee Tree community of Swannanoa, Sue and Don Barnwell say residents are extremely concerned about at least one missing man who lived near the historic Bee Tree Christian Church.

Along US-70, Mark Hensley said families are nervous. The floods have knocked out power and water.

In a news conference Sunday morning, Swannanoa’s Fire Chief Anthony Penland spoke of the devastation and said that teams are doing search and rescue for individuals missing.
WRAL published September 30, 2024: Biltmore Village flooding: Business owners return to assess damage.

Business owners returned to Biltmore Village on Monday to assess the damage to their properties. Asheville saw more than 14 inches of rain due to Helene.

Food distribution is expected to begin in Buncombe County on Monday.

“It’s terrible. I don’t know if I will ever see anything like this again,” said Spencer Tate Andrews, who came down to the area to witness the flooding. “Glad I got to see it, but at the same time, it's terrible and its going to affect a lot of people and businesses.”

The Biltmore estate itself will remain closed through at least Thursday.

On Monday, Biltmore officials wrote, "This is a heartbreaking situation for our community and region. The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience as we assess the damage of last weekend's storm and work to repair communication channels."

By calling 211 or visiting nc211.org, families and individuals can obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources in their community. People trying to connect with family members can call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. People can also call those numbers to report missing loved ones.
Fox News published September 30, 2024: Asheville dealing with 'active crisis' situation, mayor says: 'It is dire'. Asheville, North Carolina Mayor Esther Manheimer provides an update on the city's condition following the 'catastrophic' devastation from Hurricane Helene, saying the top needs are drinking water and food.

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