Swannanoa River devastation in Asheville - Hurricane Helene aftermath

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).

I hiked about 6 miles into Bat Cave yesterday 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 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).

I hiked about 6 miles into Bat Cave yesterday 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:

[luckyotter]

I live in this area. It's just heartbreaking and surreal. Mark, your footage is far superior to anything I've seen on the mainstream media. Please never stop making these videos. The world needs journalism like yours.

[techlady]

As a retired reporter, I have rarely seen such excellent coverage as yours. You never sensationalize or exaggerate. Where the police block the roads, you turn around, so you don't create more problems for them. You provide as much coverage as you can without violating privacy. Good job.

[W.R._Arms]

Please don’t stop making these videos. It is more important than any of us realize right now. These are historical. You’re writing history bud. Keep doing Gods work. Be safe and stay strong, people are counting on you.

[SB-eyyd]

I heard this one guy say, "i know how to build a house. I dont know how to build ground." Broke my heart. 😢

[j.a.greene]

I currently live in Asheville. Drove by the same area myself. It’s much worse in person, but this video is as close as you can get being there. Thank you for posting.

[tachiebillano]

Filipino here. To anyone who thinks nobody outside of that area knows much about the devastation - actually, a lot of us outside the United States are aware of this because, yes, various international media outlets are indeed covering the general story.

[benjaminnichols]

I'm not saying to exactly use it for your benefit but you should do some longer format videos. Take the money it makes to help you and your community. If you posted a 25+ min video of your day I would watch every single one. Clearing roads, walking down the river bed, anything really. You're one of the only people I can find doing a good job and documenting this.

[patrickharris]

It’s heartbreaking to think that there will probably be a large number of lives that were lost that will never be found. Prayers to all affected!

[AtomicHog]

Excellent job getting these images out to the world, Mark.

[Nina_]

Unless you've seen our area, you have no idea how beautiful it was! Heartbreaking 😢

[jeffwisemiller]

The more I see, the more I'm reminded of the Japan earthquake tsunami. The force & the volume of water just removed EVERYTHING! Godspeed on a very long road to recovery.

[janyager]

This is the saddest thing I've ever seen. Heartfelt prayers for everyone. Thank you for your real-life journalism, Mark. You have compassion and heart.

[Hearts]

This is some of the most beautiful scenery in America. Even in its devastated state, broken and strewn, the mountain vistas and lush forests show the special place it is. Please God, bless these suffering people with healing and homes 👑✝️🕊️♥️🙏

[americanrn]

This is rural America, where helping each other comes naturally. God Bless you all, my heart breaks for you ❤

[jonathonspears]

Thank you for sharing. This coverage is much better than news coverage. The damages will likely take years to repair. Prayers out to all those effected

[Yellowlab_Outdoors]

Absolutely unbelievable. Our church has been sending loads as hard and fast as we can. We are convoying up another 4 trailer loads tomorrow. Thank you for sharing this from the inside

[MegNotTheStallion]

We are mountain people and we are strong. WNC strong. You're showing everyone the true devastating impact of Helene in our mountains. The news is underreporting

[briancarroll]

We’ll probably never meet Mark but know people are praying for you and your community. People can’t truly fathom the depth of loss you all are experiencing. Thanks for helping and showing even a glimpse of what you all are experiencing so more of us can know how to help and what to pray for.
Proverbs 3:5&6

[janebeatty]

Unfathomable destruction. The economic toll to these families and to this area will be for years. I am lucky. I have friends whose loved ones are safe. For those who are missing or those who have lost loved ones, we see you and we send what donations we can. Also, we cannot possibly feel the depth of your loss and sorrow but hope our thoughts, prayers and ongoing support carry you through.