Surviving after Helene: 'Just living is a challenge'

The News & Observer's Travis Long was one of the first journalists on the ground when Helene's floodwaters roared through Western North Carolina. A veteran of more than 20 major storms, he shares his experiences and images after a week of covering the devastation the storm left behind.
Video by Kevin Keister & Laura Brache / The News & Observer

How to make donations to NC storm victims:

NC Disaster Relief Fund
How to donate by mail: Donations can be sent to NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312 or NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary NC 27511.

American Red Cross
How to donate by mail: Send a check donation form and check to: American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839. To send via FedEx or UPS, send check and donation form to American Red Cross, c/o CDS Global, 2005 Lakewood Drive, Boone, IA 50036.
How to donate by phone: Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate to American Red Cross Disaster Relief or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).

CARE
How to donate by mail: Send in donation form with check or credit card information to: CARE, Gift Center, P.O. Box 1870, Merrifield VA 22116-8070
How to donate by phone: Call 1-800-422-7385.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

United Way

More from The News & Observer:

[michelemond]

Wow. A real journalist doing real journalism. Refreshing…

[mr.christopher]

things like this will make you appreciate the smallest of things

[tengallonhat]

North Carolina, you make me proud that my Scotch-Irish ancestors were resilient Carolinians. God bless you all, and may you be more happy, healthy, and successful than you ever dreamed possible before Helene.

[Patricia-qjcs]

Thank you for real journalism covering the facts.

[bellaakermen]

Thank you for your work man, couldn’t take watching the news anymore needed the real stuff on what was going on

[intheshellify]

Can you imagine finding a tractor trailer in the trees full of arguably the most valuable resource in a survival situation? 😢

[deemcmurrey]

Thank you for your important communications as a compassionate person and journalist. Your work is essential so the American public can be responsive to the needs of Americans enduring unspeakable losses and tragedies due to Helene. Bless you ❤

[jesusislife]

Thank you for your honesty reporting of what you have seen. Our hearts go out to all those affected. Stay safe, keep up the good work.

[AZsunflower]

It certainly is the worst for these people, but they are at their BEST! They are amazing with digging in, starting the cleanup and most important helping each other! One of the best reports I have seen. Thank you!

[kristeenanderson]

Thanks for all the work you're doing, It's great to see FEMA, national guard, county, city support systems and local volunteers pulling together to save lives and start to rebuild.

[peggybowe]

Thank you for your consideration and compassion for the survivors of this catastrophe.

[loisfay]

Amazing photos and respectful reporting. Thank you. You’re right about the water. The damage reminds me of the tsunami damage in Japan 2011.

[j.charlieb-city]

The best reporting we've heard so far..it's the sincerity that brings it all in..good job bro.

[MaxineGuess]

Thank you for providing us with excellent and heartfelt reporting during this time of crisis. Prayers going up for all those affected by the flood. Stay strong and stay safe. 🙏🏽

[Amy.PCB.home.]

Thank you sir. This report is one of the Best on how to be a respectful reporter and journalist which is a very rare quality. Encourage the good that is being done. I liked your report and pray for the community to heal.

[achannelforchange]

we are just now getting on track here after hurricane Michael of 2018. the devastation in North Carolina is far worse. you're looking at a 15 to 20 year recovery. my heart is broken for y'all. praying for you.

[juliespell]

You’re amazing! Simply put. Thank you for your time, kindness and empathy.

[CharlotteStockley-mc]

Unfortunately many of these people will have to relocate permanently due to loss of land and jobs. It is going to take a very, very long time to get back to any sort of normal life.

[princewiltshire]

Very good job reporting on this. I would like to see more of your pictures please.

[aceoffice]

There are also communities with no water where there are tree after tree after trees down. It is so very dark. This is incredible. However, these communities are strong willed and full of grit. Helping each other....that is what we are doing. Thank you all for sending in the huge response of w a ter and food.