Helene's Aftermath - 96 Hours in Asheville

On September 30, 2024, WBIR sent crews to Asheville to cover what happened to Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
They spent a total of 96 hours on the ground.
These are the stories they encountered.

[lolawolfe]

I’m here in Lake Lure NC and I have to say this is the best coverage I’ve seen so far. I cried and then smiled many times. I am so grateful for my life and my family. Volunteering has helped me and the ppl who are serving are helping us all heal. My heart goes out to all my neighbors in WNC. Yes, we are all neighbors here, to love and help one another. Let’s do what we can for each other. Thank you for this video and each story and person you chose. Thank you from my heart for telling our story well.

[RossWilliamsDC]

In North Asheville, being well above the river, we were spared the worst. We had lots of big trees and power lines down, roads blocked, and loss of all services, but this amazing community has rallied and pulled together. I know all of my neighbors so much better now, as we have come together to share food and supplies, haul water for those who can't, clear trees, etc. The nearby JCC pool is giving away pool water for dishes and bathing. Many are using the local creeks. We have repurposed the water in our cold plunge for the same purposes and the flood water in our basement has come in handy for flushing toilets. Drinking water is available free all over the place. All in all, we are mostly just inconvenienced and are trying to not have survivor's guilt after seeing how so many have lost so much in the River Arts District, Biltmore, Swananoa, Black Mountain, and on and on. Thank you for your very well-done video. We still feel blessed to live in this amazing place and community. Oh, and did I mention. We moved here from Key West, FL to get away from hurricanes. Ha ha.

[KeithReinsmith]

Outstanding reporting. Your team did an excellent job of capturing the destruction and response associated with this incredible storm. In this time of so much division in our country, stories such as yours restore my belief in my fellow Americans. Well done! Keith, Denver, NC

[barbarawarren]

I live here. Just got semi-stable internet and saw this. I sobbed, really, really sobbed, for the first time. So many people are still barely surviving, supressing emotion, and cannot even cry yet to let it out.

[juneladd]

One way that all Americans can help support some of these small communities is to visit them after they are back up and running again. We have a huge country. Take the time to visit and support every inch of it. Don't spend your money going to other countries and fancy Beach resorts in Mexico, or lavish Big cities in other countries, instead take your families, your children and Grand children to some of these beautiful small mountain get-a-ways. They are so full of beautiful people, history, and Natural beauty. The food is freshly made, good home cooking in many places, and the hiking trails and camping, or little cabins in the woods are amazing...Let's keep our money at home, here in America and support the people and businesses of these communities. Help them regrow and rebuild...They are very proud people who want and need a hand u, not a hand out...Working together as Americans I know we can help our fellow man get back up on their feet and live great lives once again...Remember, this could have happened to u, and it still could, so help support each other in times of need. Show your Patriotic American side. We have a wonderful country, get out and see it..I've seen 46 of our 50 states...Support our Americans first, Always.

[darlene]

Thanks for doing this it shows how much people are coming together and not fighting that means alot ❤

[kbophoto]

Abby! Excellent reporting. I've watched tons of coverage of everything going on in NC, and this is it. This is what people need to see! So upsetting, but so uplifting without politics and all the other stuff involved. Thank you!

[lildavidjax]

Thank you for showing what mainstream media IS NOT!

[alexandramoody]

Swannanoa resident here just wanted to say this was really really well done. ❤️❤️ Thank you.

[marilynwade]

Thank you for this indep respectful compilation of events that occurred in the Ashville community. It's an excellent representation of the level of humanity we as citizens have. ❤❤❤

[kymbartley]

Made me cry. My heart goes out to you Asheville. I donated money cause even if I'm not there, I want to help. We all do. Sending LOVE ~

[kellyrankin]

I’m in central NJ where communities all around me are collecting donations to send down. I imagine other states are doing just the same. It’s heartwarming to see the people of our nation run to help in such devastation. My heart breaks for the folks who lived through this disaster and lost nearly everything. I sincerely hope the news will continue to monitor the progress of cleanup and eventual rebuilding of the towns affected by the floods… we’re all rooting for the towns and town folks!

[Tina_at_Tiny_Ducks]

Real reporting! Thank-you! This is Heartbreaking! Never Forget!

[kelliajackson]

This is so sad! I can't even put how I feel into words. I am from central Ga and we got hit pretty hard by this storm in my area but no where near like this. I have visited these areas all of my life. The mountains of north Ga, NC. and TN have been my favorite vacation place all of my life. It is so sad to see this and know its all destroyed. It just breaks my heart. I have been praying for these communities and the residents and i will continue to pray.

[amywc]

Both so tragic and incredibly uplifting. Thanks for this report.

[AnnBoyd-gv]

Thank you so much for actual journalism!

[danakembel]

Thank you for this segment! Excellent reporting!

[Jaxxie]

Seeing people who have lost everything still selflessly serving their communities is so beautiful.

[luke]

This is the best coverage video I’ve seen and I’ve been in biltmore/ swannanoa area since the Friday of the storm. Everyone needs to see this. Thank you

[MNature]

Beautiful documentary and so inspiring. Thank you for putting this together!