An Asheville, North Carolina, resident is sounding the alarm as the community grapples with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helen, calling it an “apocalyptic” situation with millions of people without power and water and the death toll continuing to rise. “A weekend'' was detailed.
“It was an incredibly apocalyptic weekend for all of us here,” Asheville resident Gregory Harrison said. “We have very little gas. We have very little cell phone service. We have limited power and we have limited food. We are trying to find drinking water to feed our families, to give water to our children. There are people.”
Hurricane Helen: Fox weather forecaster rescues woman from car during live filming as floodwaters rise
Asheville officials are still working to rescue residents trapped by last weekend's historic flooding, leaving many without electricity, water or cell phone service.
As of Sunday morning, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) had deployed more than 500 soldiers and airmen, and more than 200 vehicles and aircraft, including hoists, emergency air assets, and high water response vehicles.
Asheville, North Carolina – September 28: On September 28, 2024, heavy rains from Hurricane Helen caused record flooding and damage in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helen made landfall in Florida's Big Bend on Thursday night with winds of up to 160 mph and storm surge, killing at least 42 people in multiple states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
NCNG reported completing 16 air missions and rescuing 119 civilians and 11 pets. It was the largest single mission ever, with 41 people rescued in the north. Asheville in Bumcombe County.
“Our aviation assets have transported more than 34,000 pounds of cargo, including food, water, and medical supplies for distribution. ” continues the post from NCNG.
Buncombe County Public Information Director Lillian Gorbus urged residents in surrounding areas to avoid visiting affected areas to maximize search and rescue efforts.
“We want people not to come here right now,” Gorbus told Lawrence Jones. “We are still in the search and rescue stage. There is active flooding at the moment. As you said, even a little rain will cause more landslides and mudslides.”
“One of our interstates, Interstate 40, is a major interstate that goes all the way from Asheville to the beaches, but the top of the mountain actually slid down the entire interstate. That interstate is closed because it is covered,” she continued. . “There's a little narrow passageway, but that's only for emergency vehicles.”
Video: Hurricane Helen causes record storm surge on Florida Gulf Coast
Ms Gobbs said her community was no longer recognizable after the deadly storm.
“I live in Black Mountain, and what's there now looks nothing like the community I lived in before,” Gorbus said. “The house is completely gone. The power lines have been destroyed. The pole has been snapped in half and is hanging in a different location.”
“Houses are completely washed out. There's no running water. So it's a really big public health crisis for us right now,” she continued.
Appalachian State University student Laci Henschel said she is one of the lucky residents who has access to electricity, water and cell phone service, but said she knows people who lost everything in Helen's devastation. Ta.
“Luckily, my apartment is one of the privileged ones, so it has electricity, water and Wi-Fi,” Henschel told Todd Pirro on Monday's “Fox & Friends First.” ” he said. “But the water is still not drinkable. But sadly, it's really sad to see that all my climbing friends couldn't get their apartments to work well in this weather.”
“I know people who lost everything they had and are now trying to get back on their feet,” she continued. “While it is truly sad to see this situation, I am glad that our community can come together to lift each other up and do what we can for each other during this time of need.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Another Asheville resident who owns an art studio whose life was fortunately saved said he moved to North Carolina after Hurricane Ian in hopes of avoiding another devastating storm.
“I came from Florida after Hurricane Ian, and I thought this was a safe area, but it's not safe here,” she said. “They told me this could happen, but I couldn't believe it,” she continued.
On Sunday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra declared: Public Health Emergency (PHE) North Carolina deals with health impacts of Hurricane Helen.
The public health emergency declaration follows President Biden's declaration of states of emergency for Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. A public health emergency declaration provides Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services health care providers and suppliers with flexibility to respond to the emergency medical needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
FOX News' Stephanie Price contributed to this report.
