The Asheville, North Carolina, Police Department is searching for the owners of dozens of family photos found by first responders in the rubble of Hurricane Helen.
“Amidst the debris and devastation caused by the Swannanoa and French Broad rivers, APD officers discovered and preserved dozens of family photos that survived the storm.” the department said in a Facebook post Thursday.
“The water was strong enough to destroy buildings, uproot trees, and bend and tear steel, but it could not wash away the memories contained in these photos. Therefore, Ash Bill Police would like to see them returned to their rightful owners.”
Photos in the batch of rescued artifacts. Asheville Police Department/Facebook
The post included more than 80 photos spanning several decades.
They range from the hurtful and meaningless to the deeply sentimental: photos of Christmas mornings, weddings, vacations, school photo days, small children playing with their toddler siblings.
Many people expressed their gratitude for this post and received precious photos.
“Thank you! Asheville Police Department,” Dallas Moss wrote, “Some of these photos are of me and my brother. My brother passed away a few years ago. These photos are of me and my brother. It means the world to my family.”
Some praised the department for keeping the flame of hope alive after the storm.
“Wow! These families will cherish these photos even more. Thank you for all your hard work,” Mary Ann Ramirez wrote.
Tiffany Dobosch Hewitt writes: May they find their way home. God bless! “
For user Michelle Henhoffer, the photo gallery was “absolutely heartbreaking.”
The death toll from Hurricane Helen in North Carolina has increased to 95, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Buncombe County in Asheville had the most deaths in the state, with 42 confirmed deaths.
Vice President Kamala Harris visited the besieged city earlier this month.
Former President Trump is scheduled to travel to Asheville on Monday for a speech and tour. According to The Hill.
