Aftermath of Hurricane Helene: A Son's Journey

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Rescuing his mom after deadly Hurricane Helene strands thousands in North Carolina

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Oct 5, 2024

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News & Politics

Fraser rescues mom after Hurricane Helene

  1. Fraser Jones, a video producer at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, is heading to Asheville, North Carolina, to help his mother after Hurricane Helene.
  2. Fraser's mother, who lives in Asheville, describes the dire situation: roads are washed away, and many people lack water and power.
  3. Despite having a working generator, Fraser's mother is running low on water and is unable to leave the neighborhood due to washed-out roads.
  4. Fraser had not heard from his mother for several days until she climbed a mountain to get cell service and inform him of the situation.
  5. The city of Asheville is severely affected, with the river rising 21 feet, causing houses to float away and people stranded on rooftops.
  6. Fraser's mother has been stuck for three days, and he is preparing to rescue her by gathering supplies, including gas, as fuel is scarce near Asheville.
  7. As Fraser approaches Asheville, he encounters significant destruction, with roads shut down and buildings destroyed, complicating his rescue efforts.

Devastation and loss in Asheville post-Hurricane Helene

  1. Fraser Jones traveled to Asheville, North Carolina, to assist his mother and document the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm caused significant destruction, leaving many roads and bridges impassable, which forced Fraser to park his car and walk a mile to reach his mother.
  2. The Department of Transportation is actively working to repair the damaged roads by putting gravel back to create access routes for residents. This effort is crucial for reconnecting the community and providing necessary aid.
  3. Fraser's mother shared the tragic news of a mobile home park that was destroyed in a landslide, resulting in the death of all its residents. Additionally, a church in Fair View that was sheltering people was also swept away by the landslide.
  4. Communication has been severely disrupted due to dead cell phones, making it difficult to account for missing people. Many individuals remain unaccounted for, adding to the distress of the situation.
  5. A neighbor showed Fraser the water line mark, indicating the extent of flooding. The neighbor's house was severely damaged, with the kitchen and other areas completely destroyed, leading to a total loss of belongings.
  6. Jade and Liam, residents of the affected area, returned from Pennsylvania upon hearing that their neighborhood might be demolished. They managed to save only a single bag of belongings, highlighting the extent of their loss.
  7. Some neighbors were trapped on their roofs or in attics with water reaching chest level, illustrating the dire circumstances faced by the community during the storm.

Community unites after Hurricane Helene devastation

  1. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina, has left the city and its residents struggling to recover. The storm has caused significant damage, leaving many homes and properties destroyed or severely affected.
  2. Fraser Jones, a journalist from the AJC, traveled to Western North Carolina to assist his mother and document the storm's impact. His journey highlights the personal and communal challenges faced by those affected.
  3. Residents like Jade and Liam, who recently moved to Asheville, are grappling with the loss of their home and belongings. They had been planning their move for three years, only to have their plans disrupted by the hurricane.
  4. The red X's spray-painted on homes and cars, initially thought to indicate demolition, are actually used to show that properties have been searched, according to the North Carolina Joint Information Center.
  5. Community members, such as Jeff and Melody, have stepped up to support those in need. Despite lacking power and running water, they have organized efforts to provide hot meals and essential supplies to affected residents.
  6. The community's response has been one of resilience and solidarity, with volunteers working tirelessly to help each other despite their own losses. This collective effort is crucial in the ongoing recovery process.

Community support emerges after Hurricane Helene

  1. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina, has left the community in a state of recovery, with many people still figuring out how to rebuild their lives.
  2. Fraser Jones from the AJC traveled to Western North Carolina to assist his mother and document the storm's impact, highlighting the resilience and solidarity among the affected individuals.
  3. Teenage girls and other community members have been actively helping since the storm hit, providing essential supplies and support to those in need.
  4. Melody, a community member, expresses gratitude for the help received and notes the heartwarming shift from receiving aid to offering assistance, as people who were once in need are now helping others.
  5. Liam shares a touching moment where children were delighted to receive Oreos, showcasing the small joys and kindnesses that uplift spirits during difficult times.
  6. Jade mentions the continuous flow of people offering water and meals, emphasizing the community's generosity and willingness to support each other.
  7. Melody observes beauty emerging from brokenness, as individuals transition from being recipients of aid to contributors, strengthening community bonds.
  8. Jeff highlights the immediate and long-term needs for assistance, stressing the importance of sustained support to fully recover from the disaster.
  9. Jade reiterates the ongoing efforts to help and adapt to the evolving situation, taking it day by day to address the community's needs.