The road to Chimney Rock is gone - Hurricane Helene aftermath

A lot of people have been asking how they can help. Here's what I've seen from today (October 1st):

I think the area is starting to get saturated with very legitimate help. I'm not sure how many more hands on deck are needed but I could be wrong. Water is the obvious thing needed since water systems have been compromised/contaminated so if you can find a reputable organization to donate to for water and food, that's a good idea. I was in Swannanoa this morning - they were hit HARD. The river swept through there killing people, reducing homes to rubble, and destroying businesses. I saw random people there just setting up tents with water, food, coffee, snacks. I think that's a great idea as people are in clean up mode, exhausted, sad and they need these things - they can't get these items anyway because maybe their car was crushed, their road is washed out, power is out so grocery stores are closed, etc. People need fuel for their generators (lines are hours long at the stations that are open).

There are communities stuck on top of mountains due to their only line of access being completely destroyed with no hope of it being fixed anytime soon. They're requiring air drops and rescues and these guys seem to be doing a good job if you'd like to donate - Aerial Recovery Group (links below).

I hiked about 6 miles into Bat Cave today heading towards Chimney Rock. I'm not sure what they need because it's gone but like everywhere, they need food, water, gas. I'm hopeful that this whole community evacuated as there is just zero access to Chimney Rock/Lake Lure from the NW anymore. Downstream to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, it's just a mess. I haven't physically seen it because I couldn't get there but I've seen videos. The clean up is going to be enormous. I do know that helicopters are heavily flying here due to no access so once again, Aerial Recovery and other organizations actively flying there need help (they're actually flying to MANY mountaintops within a couple hours).

Crazy thing is, this is just a few communities. Asheville, Hendersonville, Burnsville, this whole region, needs assistance. People are coming to help in big ways now, though. I met a group down in the river today from Myrtle Beach, a search and rescue team. I talked with some Cajun Navy people on side by sides today. The more the merrier.

Aerial Recovery Group:

[MarkHuneycutt]

A lot of people have been asking how they can help. Here's what I've seen from today (October 1st):

I think the area is starting to get saturated with very legitimate help. I'm not sure how many more hands on deck are needed but I could be wrong. Water is the obvious thing needed since water systems have been compromised/contaminated so if you can find a reputable organization to donate to for water and food, that's a good idea. I was in Swannanoa this morning - they were hit HARD. The river swept through there killing people, reducing homes to rubble, and destroying businesses. I saw random people there just setting up tents with water, food, coffee, snacks. I think that's a great idea as people are in clean up mode, exhausted, sad and they need these things - they can't get these items anyway because maybe their car was crushed, their road is washed out, power is out so grocery stores are closed, etc. People need fuel for their generators (lines are hours long at the stations that are open).

There are communities stuck on top of mountains due to their only line of access being completely destroyed with no hope of it being fixed anytime soon. They're requiring air drops and rescues and these guys seem to be doing a good job if you'd like to donate - Aerial Recovery Group (links below).

I hiked about 6 miles into Bat Cave today heading towards Chimney Rock. I'm not sure what they need because it's gone but like everywhere, they need food, water, gas. I'm hopeful that this whole community evacuated as there is just zero access to Chimney Rock/Lake Lure from the NW anymore. Downstream to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, it's just a mess. I haven't physically seen it because I couldn't get there but I've seen videos. The clean up is going to be enormous. I do know that helicopters are heavily flying here due to no access so once again, Aerial Recovery and other organizations actively flying there need help (they're actually flying to MANY mountaintops within a couple hours).


Crazy thing is, this is just a few communities. Asheville, Hendersonville, Burnsville, this whole region, needs assistance. People are coming to help in big ways now, though. I met a group down in the river today from Myrtle Beach, a search and rescue team. I talked with some Cajun Navy people on side by sides today. The more the merrier.

Aerial Recovery Group:

[Jon-xqkn]

This video captures the extent of the destruction better than any news coverage I've seen.

[cellgrrl]

Doing your own reporting and clean up. We are grateful for men like you.

[Stucknthez]

You have done a better job demonstrating the damage better than any 3 letter news agency. Please keep posting more

[greenquartz]

5:43 I dont know why, but seeing that haggard, confused little beaver just about broke my heart. He could be surveying what's left of his home like the humans there, or he could be miles away from where he started, but at least he survived.

[burtonisalive]

I live in the Asheville area. The reports of the devastation are not telling the whole story. People going in and filming, documenting like this are getting more of the real story. This place was so beautiful before this. I've driven down this highway so many times and it breaks my heart to see the damage. Thanks for showing the real story.

[richh]

The extremely crushed and almost round car in the river, unbelievable! You captured major astounding footage and I want to thank you for showing this even if very painful to watch.

[rosetinnefeld]

I don't think people can understand what happened. It's local docuvids that truly tell the story. Truely Heartbreaking. 🙏from MI.

[BudJones]

This to be broadcast nationally. I didn’t fully comprehend the devastation until your video. Thanks and awesome work.

[RG-xird]

You know it's bad when you can't even tell what kind of car it is because every side of it is crushed in. It shows the force of the water and gives an idea of how much there was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Bayoubebe]

This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I can see why ppl loved living there. Never could have imagined this happening. I pray they can all pick up the pieces and all of the missing ppl are found.

[shadymac]

this is the most telling video on the internet about the disaster i literally am in tears and i know no one from that town

[highlatitude.]

5:50 That beaver saw some $hit. Just the sound of what was happening would be terrifying. Boulders smashing together, trees snapping, and that car was just balled up, rolling along with it. Unreal... Thank you for the reality check.

[depechetoad]

Please keep documenting the cleanup. People need to know how bad things really are and what help people still need. This is going to take months/years to build back, we can't let people forget!

[healthcarethoughtleadership]

As a native of North Carolina who grew up spending a ton of time in Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Bat Cave, and the region.... THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS VIDEO!

[kellyberry]

Well done Mark....I've been going there my whole life. First with my father. Years later it was me and my husbands get away...Im heartbroken.
Did a drive at my 15yr olds school to send. They are begging us to stop they are at capacity.
So thankful for the help. But more help is needed.
Helicopters flying over me all day.
Thank you for this!

[cassconner]

Chimney Rock was such a happy little village, many times we would take our children down to the creek behind the shops, and Wade around the big boulders and the little bridge, it was an idyllic spot, and will be part of their childhood memories. So sad to see it gone.

[LoriSlomski]

I feel guilty “liking” the video as there is nothing to like about this situation at all but Mark does an outstanding job showing before, after and extent of damage while remaining calm AND on the move to help. He’s like a guardian angel. Living in Michigan we visit western Carolinas every October and it breaks my heart what you are all going through thru. Other than monetary donations I am praying a ton for the residents, business owners and rescue personnel. I know you are all stronger than anything that can be thrown your way. God bless!!

[TheBigdog]

The poor beaver said it all with his bewildered look. 😢

[GoodDay-liwg]

Absolutely stunning beauty captured, even amidst all this devastation. Praying the people can rebuild their homes.