Chimney Rock: Community Resilience After Helene

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I walked to Chimney Rock for answers... Hurricane Helene Aftermath

Mark Huneycutt

Oct 4, 2024

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Entertainment

Chimney Rock severely impacted by Hurricane Helene

  1. The narrator describes the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, focusing on the severe damage to infrastructure, particularly on Highway 9 and the 74 bridge leading to Bat Cave. The roads are heavily damaged, making travel difficult and requiring people to walk significant distances.
  2. The narrator highlights the power of water, noting the destruction of a thick metal beam and the broken infrastructure in a new neighborhood. The flag at half-mast on Chimney Rock symbolizes the community's mourning and resilience.
  3. Access to Chimney Rock is now only possible by hiking through the woods due to the destruction caused by the hurricane. The area, once easily accessible by car, is now isolated by a raging river.
  4. The narrator observes the community's efforts to show strength and resilience by putting up flags in the aftermath of the hurricane. Despite the devastation, people are returning to reclaim their belongings and display their determination.
  5. The narrator addresses rumors about the area becoming imminent domain and bodies being moved by the government. Local authorities clarify that these rumors are false, with only one body found in Lake Lure and no evidence of government control or foul odors.

Chimney Rock is recovering from chaos

  1. The narrator is in Chimney Rock with Logan, who is helping clear the streets. They discuss the absence of any foul smell, which was initially thought to be from propane tanks removed from the river.
  2. There are no bodies or looting in the area, contrary to rumors. The presence of police and military is more significant than that of workers or residents, indicating a controlled environment.
  3. Despite the destruction, there is a positive atmosphere as recovery efforts are underway. The narrator suggests that misinformation about the situation has spread due to lack of visibility.
  4. A local law enforcement officer shares a story about a car hit by a landslide during the storm, highlighting the dangers faced during the hurricane.
  5. Chelsea, a resident from Batcave, recounts her experience during the hurricane. She and her husband evacuated their home with their pets to seek shelter in a post office.

Survival and loss during Hurricane Helene

  1. The narrator describes a harrowing experience during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, where they had to quickly evacuate their home due to rising floodwaters. They initially attempted to save essential items like medication and contacts but had to abandon them to escape the rapidly increasing water levels.
  2. As the water rose, the narrator and their family, including a kitten and a Shih Tzu, sought refuge by climbing a nearby mountain. They attempted to find shelter in several cabins, facing challenges such as a gas leak and a mudslide, before finally finding a safe porch to stay on.
  3. From their vantage point, they witnessed the destruction of buildings and vehicles, which fell like dominoes due to the floodwaters. This scene highlighted the severe impact of the hurricane on the community, with entire structures being swept away.
  4. After the floodwaters receded, the narrator and their husband returned to their home to assess the damage. They were fortunate that their cars, which had been moved to higher ground, were spared from the flood.
  5. The couple began the process of salvaging important and sentimental items from their home, which had been devastated by the flood. This included clothes and a significant collection of baseball cards, which were a personal loss for the husband.

Devastating impact of Hurricane Helene

  1. The speaker describes their collection of Pyrex, highlighting the challenges of collecting such heavy and fragile items. They managed to save some pieces despite the destruction.
  2. The house had a couch, a chair, a china cabinet full of Pyrex, and a big fireplace. The sliding glass doors were blown out, and everything was sucked out into the water.
  3. The area that used to be grass and trees is now devastated. A tree falling marked the beginning of the end, leading to water damage that destroyed the vinyl hardwood planks, leaving only the subfloor.
  4. The water's velocity was so high that it splashed up to the ceiling, resembling an ocean. The speaker notes the surreal transformation of their property into a river.
  5. The speaker expresses a strong attachment to their home, despite the destruction. They mention their sister living in the Florida Keys but insist they don't want to live anywhere else.
  6. The speaker is uncertain about the possibility of rebuilding due to structural concerns. They express a deep sense of loss as their property is now a river.
  7. The usual route from Hendersonville to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock is no longer accessible, indicating significant infrastructure damage.

Bring your own supplies, don't take aid

  1. Visitors to disaster areas like Chimney Rock should not take supplies such as water from the streets, as these are meant for those in need.
  2. It is important for visitors to bring their own provisions, including water, when hiking or visiting affected areas.
  3. Air drops and other aid efforts are in place to support the local community, not for tourists or onlookers.
  4. The message emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency for visitors to avoid depleting resources meant for disaster relief.