The WNC Family Reflects on the Year Post-Hurricane Helen

Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Helen wreaked havoc in western North Carolina. Many families, including the Kiel family, faced significant losses, including their homes, vehicles, and jobs due to the severe destruction.

In Burnsville, North Carolina, the aftermath of Hurricane Helen, which was downgraded to a tropical storm by the governor’s office, left over 74,000 homes damaged and resulted in an estimated $60 billion in destruction.

Some residents are still trying to piece their lives back together, almost a year later. “My 20th year of life has been all about recovering from the storm,” Amiya Keel reflected while reminiscing with her mother, Jessica.

Amiya currently resides in a camper van at a facility in Burnsville. The storm brought about four feet of water into their home on September 27, 2024, leaving them living next to other displaced families in their camper.

Residents Recall a “Terrifying” Experience in North Carolina Following Hurricane Helen

The Kiel family’s home, pictured above, was flooded when the storm hit, rendering it uninhabitable.

Amiya, recalling when she first spoke with a reporter in November, mentioned how they were gathering funds for their generator. “The water came so fast, we barely made it,” she said. They spent nearly a week navigating the dangerous waters until they were safe with neighbors.

In the storm’s wake, most of the area lacked cell service, electricity, and even access to clean water.

“For about a week, we didn’t even know if friends and family were okay,” Amiya added.

A week later, support began pouring into the community from across the nation, with volunteers setting up distribution centers nearby. The Keels, despite the challenges, volunteered daily to help.

“A week later, we were fortunate to have a great tent,” Jessica recounted, explaining how they lived in tents for nearly a month as recovery efforts commenced.

Volunteers and nonprofits stepped in to provide the family with necessities, including cars and generators. Amiya expressed relief at having a heater for those cold nights in the tent. Eventually, they received a donated camper van from a nonprofit.

“It wasn’t much, but it was definitely better than the tent,” Jessica remarked.

While the family still lives in the camper, they’ve received several donated sheds. Appliances and furniture damaged in the flood remain outside their former home.

“People have been so generous—one family even came to play in the snow with their child,” Jessica shared, referencing the kindness they’ve received.

A wooden sign hangs in their camper, simply stating, “This isn’t a sweet home… adjusting!” It serves as a daily reminder of their resilience through this challenging time.

Jessica feels the sign rings more true than ever, noting that while they’ve faced struggles, they’re also aware of how much worse it could be for others. “We’re doing better than many,” she said, while Amiya added, “And yet we’re still struggling.”