'Biblical Devastation' as Western North Carolina Navigates No Power, No Cell Service

Dramatic imagery continues to pour in from western North Carolina, a region crippled by historic flooding and its residents left to deal with life-threatening conditions from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.

Buncombe County Director of Emergency Services Taylor Jones confirmed that at least one person was killed in the storm in the county. During a press conference Saturday afternoon, Buncombe County authorities described the damage as "Buncombe County's own Hurricane Katrina," and described the damage as "biblical devastation."

The Sheriff's Office said there are "multiple fatalities," but said they are unable to confirm how many people are dead as a result of the flooding. According to state officials, at least 10 people have died in the state since Friday.

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[signalfire]

These are farming communities, lots of drowned livestock and wildlife. The danger of dysentery and other waterborne illnesses starting in a few days.

[lori-annefay]

Unless you've been stuck/trapped in a house post massive flooding you have no idea how traumatizing it can get. I survived 5 days. No warning! In Florida during Hurricane Harvey. The storm's huge tailwinds and rain lashed my Sarasota neighborhood for hours after already days of rain. The creek crested and overflowed killing 3 people, flooding our neighborhood. Finally made it out in time for Irma to finish off the house and that's when I realized-- Just say NO TO FLORIDA. I feel for all of these people suffering right now. And the Wildlife, which is just as freaked out. Many will be left homeless as was I. Pray for Mercy and help people, never pray for patience or strength, those will only get you tested. I am praying God has mercy on all of you.

[YoDawg-vl]

I had my traumatic flood experiences and will never live near major waterways ever again

[BDCasey]

I haven't heard anything from my brother or his wife. They live just a little north east of downtown Asheville. I'm extremely worried about them. I know cell service is spotty. But it's not like them to not contact any of the family.

[lt]

This is why everyone needs to prep for natural disasters. Have water, food, radios, batteries, etc ready incase this happens. I’m not a prepper but I have basic supplies ready. I’ve been through hurricanes in the US and typhoons over seas.Please do it more are coming.

[rachelsparling]

We live in Black mountain and we are fine just no power and running water. Next town over Swannanoa is destroyed by flooding.

[eddiehardin]

WRAL I have a news flash for you this disaster is a lot bigger than F’n Asheville! Pass that on to the governor!

[wendyzj]

They can drop food and water by air, its been done during heavy snows before.

[jameswheeler-]

Western North Carolina never gets floods like this... This is like a very very rare event...

[jrculbertson]

Unfortunately now they will have to FIGHT THEIR INSURANCE COMPANIES because they will do everything in the book to deny the claim 😢. I'm saying a prayer for y'all 🙏

[vha]

I love Ashville. I got family in Burnsville and Green Mountain that have to way to contact people. The flooding not just in Ashville. Media please focus on all of the areas hit by the flooding waters. 🙏 My family in Burnsville and Green Mountain are okay.

[mraereed]

I was in a similar catastrophic event. We had no cell phones, no electricity, and no fuel could get into us nor could we leave is the roads were inaccessible.
The local grocery store allowed 10 people at a time to get groceries that were added up on handheld calculators. My son was at his dad's house, only 20 mi from me, and I couldn't get to him nor could I call him, or even know if he was okay. These people are under a great deal of stress and have no information coming to them. I wish they had been better prepared. 😢

[matthewbaynham]

Might want to sync the audio and video in your videos. There are videos on YouTube explaining how to do that, as well as other basics of video production.

[ericreitz]

The news networks need to realize there’s more to wnc than Asheville

[fruitbat]

Sending ❤❤❤ from the UK.So sorry you are going through this . 😢

[donnabryant]

PRAYERS OUT TO ALL, FROM CALIFORNIA. GOD BLESS

[meliw]

This devastation reminds me of Hurricane Floyd in Eastern Carolina. My family still feels that impact.
God Bless my Tar Heel family!!! 😢😢😢

[mega-hbre]

The worst part is that there's another storm alike forming again

[dianewalker]

No one is talking about all the livestock and pets that have either perished or are in dire need of food.

[Catchmyvib]

Two more hurricanes brewing .. Kirk and issac !