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

This footage in Chimney Rock is from October 3rd.

Previous post:
A lot of people have been asking how they can help. Here's what I saw 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).

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:

Chimney Rock Donation site:

Many people are asking what they can bring or what to donate. It's hard for me to answer that. Please go on facebook and search for a reputable organization, where they are, and what they need. Someone like local churches, Samaritan's Purse, Cajun Navy 2016, etc. There are a lot of good organizations here right now but I don't know them all.

[MarkHuneycutt]

8OCT Edit: During the interview at minute 11:35, I speak with Chelsea. Her husband Andy Wells is also in the house. "The Wells Family has organized this GoFundMe to benefit Andy (Western PA Native-“Go Steelers”) and Chelsea (Western NY Native-“Go Bills”) who have experienced a total loss of their home and possessions." - Here is the link below. Please consider donating!

5OCT Edit: Unfortunately I have to address this. This video is specifically about the tiny area of Chimney Rock. If you heard "there's no looting, there's no bodies or smell" this is in strict reference to the street we were on in the video. I'm not discounting the devastation in other parts of WNC. There IS looting. There ARE bodies being discovered elsewhere. I just spoke with the owner of Featherheads. I recorded her business in this video downtown. She says the rumors are BS about her town Chimney Rock that she has been in for three decades. This video is the epitome of destruction. It's obviously bad, we need help in this area, and I'm not downplaying the hurt and devastation anywhere else.
She also gave me this organization as a safe/legit organization to donate to for Chimney Rock:

I think a lot of people won't know what conspiracy I'm speaking of but it went viral so I had to ask questions to clear the air. It was starting to cause anger and confusion about what was REALLY happening in Chimney Rock. I was embarrassed to even ask the workers there but I did. Our focus shouldn't be on taking viral conspiracies as FACT but focusing that energy on helping the people of this region. I did 10 miles on foot this day to get to Chimney Rock. It wasn't easy. Anyway, resources below:

Edit: I've made my strava route public if it helps anyone. I'm not sure if you need an account or not to see it because it won't load for me if I'm logged out:

A lot of people have been asking how they can help. Here's what I saw 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).


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:

Many people are asking what they can bring or what to donate. It's hard for me to answer that. Please go on facebook and search for a reputable organization, where they are, and what they need. Someone like local churches, Samaritan's Purse, Cajun Navy 2016, etc. There are a lot of good organizations here right now but I don't know them all.

[greghalter]

Dude single handedly provided better coverage of this tragedy than the billion dollar main stream media. Well done.

[KJIQE]

Somebody yelled "Go Home!!" but if people like you don't document what is really happening then the real stories will never get known. Well done sir.

[thejray]

This is what people want to watch. Real, raw, journalism. Thanks

[karascremin]

Thank you for this! You passed our house in Chimney rock - we saw our stairs!! That was our ladder you walked over. We have wanted to see the area so we appreciate this. Truly, thank you!

[LeahxSavanna]

I live here. I grew up here. So so glad to be alive but after the adrenaline has worn off and you realize the devastation there is no other feeling comparable. Thank you mark for documenting this so well for the world to see what we are going through.

[kylecurryyt]

Major news organizations can put a journalist in a war zone in the middle east but they can’t get one into North Carolina. Thanks for this video coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

[EL_FEDERAL_]

Oh my God, I'm from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, and seeing this devastation reminds me so much of what we experienced 7 years ago during Hurricane Maria... I'm a retired veteran and served the National Guard for 30 years, I was on several deployments and during Maria, I worked for 6 months trying to help us get back on our feet, and I know perfectly well what it feels like... many blessings to all of you and your families.

[chadsonnenberg]

True old fashioned journalism. Well done.

[michaelsiengo]

Better footage and video quality than every single news station combined……. Thank you and I am so sorry for all the folks up there.

[matthallgren]

Mark, I don’t know if you’ll see this comment but thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is my home. I live just south of Lake Lure/Chimney Rock and have had a difficult time getting reliable information about what’s going on there. Your video is equal parts comforting and terrifying. I hope the area can rebuild, people can move back onto their land, and businesses can open their doors again. It’s a beautiful area and a special place to many, many people including me. Again, thank you! ❤

[Yeah_Im_That_Guy]

Im from WNC and this means a lot. I’ve been working nonstop these last 2ish weeks to do all that I can to help because I was mostly okay. Thank you so much for opening peoples eyes to the rest of the world.

[shadymac]

MAN THIS REMINDS ME OF THE GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN WE USED TO HAVE REAL NEWS COVERAGE WELL DONE!!

[FirstDagger]

I wish that guy saying "Go home" knew how much reach and impact your video has. Good on you for documenting this for posterity.

[annmarievandersluis]

Hi, we were in Chimney Rock, across from Rainbow bridge when the flood came thru. Our car is embedded in the house across the street. truly scary, as soon as they cleared the bridge, we walked across to get help. Your video really captures the destruction. Thanks for posting

[hackdaplanethobbes]

Born and raised and still in Louisiana seen over my lifetime what I thought was hurricane devastation. Here I thought Katrina was unreal but after seeing footage of Tennessee and North Carolina I’m in utter shock. My heart goes out to all affected and I’m glad to see some of our troopers and heard our “Cajun Navy” has been out there too. I’m not much of a religious man but my thoughts and prayers are with ya’ll!

[AuLily]

Literally boots on the ground journalism. It's so heartbreaking yet humbling how nature is a powerful force to reckon with.

[HeartsOfDarkness]

From a historical aspect, these videos and interviews are invaluable.
Thank you for taking the time to document this tragedy.

[seanwelch]

This woman was an amazing person to interview, and you did the most respectful and genuine job of interviewing her.

[handyandy]

I am in awe of Chelsea and her husband. She is the model of strength and resilience. I hope she can continue and never feel totally overwhelmed.