Helene tore a deadly path through the mountains of western North Carolina, dumping extreme rainfall and causing catastrophic flash flooding. Several locations received 20 inches of rain or more over a four-day period. Some towns are in ruins. There are toppled trees everywhere; roads, bridges, and driveways are washed out; homes and businesses have been destroyed by flooding and landslides. Many homes remain without power or running water.
At our sites across North Carolina, we are doing tree work, mudding out homes, removing debris, and tarping roofs. Heavy equipment is being used to clear private driveways and private roads. In some areas, we are also offering water and potable water to the community.
Numerous communities in the rugged mountains of North Carolina and far eastern Tennessee are cut off by Helene’s devastation. Samaritan’s Purse is coordinating airlifts to some of these locations—delivering basic necessities to those in dire straits using our own helicopter as well as the aircraft of other organizations. We praise God that, through more than 30 flights so far, we have been able to deliver food, water, medical kits, and other relief to those isolated by the storm.
