It’s been about a week since Helene struck the Appalachians. While we often focus on North Carolina since it’s home, the storm also affected Georgia, South Carolina, East Tennessee, Virginia, and even Florida. In our state, we’re beginning to hear firsthand accounts that reveal just how severe the situation has been. Asheville may recover the quickest, but reports indicate it could take around seven weeks to restore water, and power restoration may take even longer. This situation becomes critical because without proper waste disposal, serious problems can arise. We often take modern plumbing for granted and have overlooked issues like cholera and dysentery, but those threats are still very real. Managing such risks without running water could present significant challenges. That’s just within the town limits. Out in areas like Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, and the more remote hills, the conditions are likely even worse, especially with narrow roads that are difficult to navigate even in better weather. Like many, you’re probably hearing stories of hardship. Many roads are and will remain blocked for an extended period, and in some cases, the landscape itself has been permanently altered due to the extraordinary flooding. Did you hear about the couple who sheltered in their car with just two bottles of water and two bags of chips? Their driveway was all that remained; the rest of their property, including their home, was swept away.
Everything gone. It’s important that we’re getting more direct accounts as some communications are being restored. There has been widespread panic and deep grief, and the initial lack of updates has allowed for misinformation to spread. While people often blame social media for this, it’s really just human nature to worry, speculate, and gossip. Social media amplifies these tendencies, both positively and negatively. On a brighter note, millions have been raised, and many are organizing significant relief efforts. People are coordinating plans and sharing information about conditions. Satellite phones can provide precise locations for those needing rescue. There has been considerable criticism of FEMA, but we won’t delve into that too much. It’s worth noting that anyone familiar with the resilient people of Western North Carolina—those who’ve lived there for generations, not just newcomers—will understand their reluctance to be directed on how to manage their recovery. These are individuals who know how to fend for themselves and act decisively; they don’t want to wade through policies and approvals. If you’ve watched the videos, you’ve likely heard this sentiment expressed frequently. They will take action regardless, and it’s best to let them do that. And just to clarify, this isn’t a critique of transplants. We are talking about the local people we know well.
There’s an incredible effort underway to provide assistance, and it’s genuinely uplifting. People have put aside their own tasks to help, arriving with trucks, motorcycles, even mules and goats to transport supplies. One individual recounted how he delivered baby essentials, including formula and water, to a woman who had just had a newborn and was down to less than a day’s supply of formula. Just imagine the stress she must be feeling after this week! Despite the huge challenges we face, especially given the extent of this disaster, we hope things will start moving more efficiently with a greater sense of urgency, as so many lives are at stake. While we won’t criticize FEMA outright, there are some issues worth addressing, starting with Governor Cooper. He has his strengths, but he’s not exactly a charismatic politician. On Sunday, he expressed frustration with social media—specifically, what he referred to as X—for spreading “misinformation.” There’s so much uncertainty surrounding what’s true, and people are reacting differently. The governor could be more proactive by being more visible—he hasn’t been—and consistently updating the public about the ongoing efforts and next steps. The best way to combat misinformation is with accurate information, and he certainly has room for improvement in that regard. He isn’t alone in this. Secretary of State Tony Blinken was completely out of touch when he tweeted about the U.S. leading a humanitarian response to the crisis in Lebanon, announcing nearly $157 million in aid. He needs to remember that we have our own displaced civilians and refugees here at home.
It doesn’t get much more tone-deaf than that—unless you consider President Biden’s response to inquiries about the aftermath of Helene. He reportedly asked, “What storm are you talking about?” and then claimed, “They’re getting everything they need. They’re very happy, across the board.” Seriously? While we recognize that President Biden isn’t the same person he once was, these comments have not gone over well in the flood-affected areas. They infuriated many, as nobody feels happy or comforted by those words. Vice President Harris announced that $750 would be available to qualifying families (not individuals)—and then she retweeted Blinken’s out-of-touch message. Applying for that aid online is quite a challenge without power! These leaders are supposed to be addressing this enormous crisis, and you’d want to look to them for inspiration and reassurance, but none of that is present. Every president has their flaws, and opinions on their leadership vary, but Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama all recognized the importance of providing emotional support during times of crisis or natural disasters. Clinton, in particular, excelled in this regard. Currently, we aren’t witnessing that same level of empathy, which leaves a significant void. We have real problems to address before we can begin the recovery process. This isn’t a typical disaster. Roads are gone. Towns are missing. In some areas, even mountainsides have disappeared. The overwhelming amount of water means that mudslides are still happening; the situation remains precarious. We must maintain a sense of urgency while acknowledging the tremendous challenges that responders face. Can we streamline operations? Certainly. But can we move faster when roads are completely blocked by boulders, mud, and debris, or when they no longer exist? Probably not.
What we can do is innovate and explore new solutions. If drones aren’t currently being deployed for search and supply drops, they should be. Perhaps we could equip some with FLIR technology to detect body heat signatures. Alternatively, a creative thinker might attach a hotspot to a hot air balloon, allowing people to connect if they need to. Will it work? Perhaps. For instance, if you hike to the top of Stone Mountain in Alleghany County, you might not get any signal on the way up, but once you reach the summit, the reception is excellent. The key takeaway is that we need to experiment with approaches we’ve never tried before, especially since time is running out for many people. If you live nearby and are able-bodied and resourceful, nothing will feel more fulfilling than helping those who can’t escape the situation. If you can’t assist in person, consider sending supplies or making a donation. What do people really need beyond the basics like food and water?
Here are some essential items that might not come to mind: manual can openers, work gloves, blankets, feminine hygiene products, first aid supplies, baby food, diapers, baby wipes, and various paper goods. Don’t forget warm socks—cold weather is approaching, and that hasn’t been discussed enough. You can coordinate with a local church or donate to organizations like the Red Cross or Samaritan’s Purse. Many people are filling their trucks with supplies and heading in to help; you can likely connect with someone that way too. The main message is this: please find a way to contribute. Hope is urgently needed, and you can provide that. Even something that may seem small to you, like socks, gloves, or a can opener, could make a significant difference.
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