Many organizations are going to western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene stormed through. Many people died and have been displaced because of these storms.
Officials have confirmed 95 deaths in North Carolina. There have been around 14 deaths in Florida due to hurricane Milton. Families have lost loved ones and are still trying to find the bodies of missing people.
Family and consumer sciences teacher Julia McClannon’s family was in western North Carolina when Helene stormed through. She explained that they are okay with limited damage to their house.
McClannon said, “My family has not needed immediate or urgent help, which I am so thankful for… I asked my mom to leave as soon as she could do so safely. She was able to come stay with my sister for a week and then stayed at my house for a week. She went back to Asheville [Tuesday] loaded down with groceries and water.”
Many people are without power and water. People aren’t able to text or email their family and friends that they are safe because there is no internet.
McClannon explained that when she returns to western North Carolina everything will be different.
“I grew up in Asheville, and the mountains will always feel like home to me. I have so many loved ones who are still there, and so many friends I grew up with who still live in the area,” McClannon said.
Many roads have been taken apart by the flooding and mudslide.
“The entire landscape has changed. Roads, historic buildings, businesses, medical care offices, restaurants…there are so many things that are fundamental to my hometown that simply do not exist anymore. It’s a lot to process. North Carolina’s beautiful mountains have taken a horrible hit with catastrophic flooding and damage,” McClannon said.
Misinformation has been spread about the storm. It leads people impacted by the storm not knowing who they can trust after going through so much pain. McClannon wants people to stay educated on the storm.
“Check your sources. Don’t spread stories that you don’t know the validity of,” said McClannon.
The list of needs for the people in western North Carolina is long including food, money, blood and encouragement.
Usa.gov is an organization working to assist people impacted by the hurricane. People are able to donate, ask for assistance, search for loved ones, and help give people food and medicine.
If you are able to help clean up you can find many organizations, including Samaritan’s Purse, Town of Boone, All Hearts and Hands, and JustServe. If you can’t help personally you can help financially by donating to organizations. You can donate to ncdps.gov, the Red Cross, and governor.Nc.gov.
