Death toll climbs as communities reel from Helene

The massive storm has killed at least 91 people from Florida to Virginia, The Associate Press reported, and extreme floods washed away homes and bridges in North Carolina.

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[tomwong]

Not dismissing what happened in Florida, but Western North Carolina is wiped out

[lauradickinson]

Not just Asheville! All the rural towns surrounding the area which had homes & businesses completely wiped out! The rural communities will be the last to get attention and receive assistance. There are still people stranded in their homes without power, water, communication. No one can get gas to even try to get supplies. Roads & bridges are washed away so no access to get to these remote areas.

[tomaslopez]

Heard someone say that Helene is the Appalachian Katrina. Sounds about right.

[kah]

Asheville doesn’t even compare to some of the other small mountain communities. Complete devastation

[susancohen]

Please vote for people who know how to rebuild. Not for people who hide from questions

[roguesnow]

The smaller communities like mountain city chimney rock Boone banner elk there all but gone send help please

[happymedium.]

What people aren't taking into account is the amount of suicides that will come after these disasters. Some people just can't mentally deal with the stress of losing everything and rebuilding from scratch. I personally witnessed this a few times after Katrina.

[bumblebootwiddletoes]

My heart goes out to my friends in Asheville and also all the pets, strays, farm animals, and wild animals no one ever talks about.

[mistersmisties]

I lost everything in Katrina, the town I grew up in had 27 feet of water that just stayed there for months until it could be pumped out. We lost every family members home (19 homes all together), the schools I went to, every memorable place where I grew up. I was displaced and lived away for 8+ years. I am just here to say that I know you are feeling lost and broken and hopeless right now, but I promise you, you will get through this and you will have a life again. Just hold on. Lean on one another. Ask for help and allow others to help you. I am so sorry this is happening to you all. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. You will get through this, I promise. Sending so much love your way.

[cmcculloughC]

Canada has deployed more than 700 linemen to help restore power to North and South Carolina. They start the shift after breakfast at 5am and work 16 hour shifts, returning to their lodging to eat, sleep and start over again. They expect to be there for two weeks. Prayers for everyone 🙏

[JanetGutierrezL]

Prayer for all folks, families, animals!!❤❤❤❤NC

[Phoenixzeta]

Wow, I think we should stop sending billions to fund foreign wars and help these people instead.

[EtherBunny]

This is where ham radio could be a lifesaver!

[joanb]

I’m here in Florida, we barely got any rain, so unbelievable

[grtestever]

Home insurance companies are still not paying HOMEOWNERS.

[sheanacook]

Crying for my mountain neighbors! We see the planes and choppers flying low over house knowing that they are taking them supplies. I live in the foothills where most of us finally got power back today. My kids and I went for groceries this morning and I kept a sick feeling knowing how blessed we were to be able to do so but still all those suffering an hour away from us and running out of food and needs. I see moms begging for help in my community chats hoping someone can help reach them so their kids can eat. This is terrible!! I’m praying for you all and hoping to find ways to help ❤

[bdainnc]

“The Asheville metropolitan area had an estimated population of 417, 202 in 2023”. The city itself almost has 100, 00. Calling it a “town” makes it seem less populated than the reality.

[rafaelsosa]

Same happened in Puerto Rico with maria

[KevinLarrabee-zvcr]

Being in Georgia it's brutal. No power for at least week. Absolutely disaster

[ricomajestic]

It is only going to get worse for low lying areas near sea level. Way worse!