The southeastern United States has been devastated after Category 4 Hurricane Helene, the most powerful hurricane ever to hit Florida’s Big Bend region, caused extensive damage in six states.
Helene’s fierce winds and torrential rains have killed at least 95 people, left millions without power, and trapped countless families in flooding, especially in North Carolina, where entire communities have been cut off from vital resources.
The death toll continues to rise, with North Carolina the hardest hit, reporting at least 36 victims. South Carolina followed closely behind with 25 confirmed deaths, including two firefighters who died in Saluda County, according to CNN.
In Georgia, 17 lives were lost, two victims of the tornado that crossed the Alamo. In Florida, 11 deaths have been confirmed, with many occurring in Pinellas County, where flash floods swept through entire neighborhoods.
Tennessee and Virginia have also reported deaths, with four in Tennessee and two in Virginia, as rescue operations continue.
In the hardest-hit area of North Carolina, flooding has devastated entire neighborhoods. Families are stranded without food, water, or power.
Powerful floods from Helene collapsed the Kisner Bridge in Afton, Tennessee, into the roaring Nolichucky River. pic.twitter.com/MkE20hm559
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) September 28, 2024
Went to help in the Lake Lure / Chimney Rock area today, and it’s hard to describe – never seen anything like this. Post apocalyptic. Too bad you don’t even know how to know how recovery looks, let alone where to start. It will be a long road to recovery that… pic.twitter.com/HnyxwyQB76
– Tariq Scott Bokhari (@FinTechInnov8r) September 29, 2024
.@SamaritansPurse respond to help with storms and crises around the world every day, but now the storm has hit in our own backyard. Hurricane Helene slammed into western North Carolina (where we are located), Eastern Tennessee, Georgia, & Florida. pic.twitter.com/Mak5kvk6C5
– Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) September 29, 2024
.@SamaritansPurse also responded to aid in the area around Asheville, NC, which had been damaged by flooding from Helene. A team of volunteers will help storm victims with cleanup and mud. pic.twitter.com/nlM1iKwEty
– Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) September 30, 2024
North Carolina’s High Country has been devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene. @SamaritansPurse respond to help in our own community as well as in other locations. To participate, visit https://t.co/JXGf1lWeAu pic.twitter.com/0ZMJrhkeSN
– Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) September 29, 2024
While millions struggle with the aftermath, President Biden has yet to enter one of the disaster zones. Despite being briefed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, the president’s visit has been delayed so as not to “disrupt emergency response operations,” according to the White House.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump quickly issued a statement expressing his condolences and will visit Georgia on Monday to help provide relief for families affected by Hurricane Helene.
Tomorrow, President Donald J. Trump will visit Valdosta, Georgia, to receive information about the damage from Hurricane Helene, facilitate the distribution of relief supplies, and make comments to the press. pic.twitter.com/njttfRx0tm
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) September 29, 2024
How to Help After Hurricane Helene
Delrayno Baptist Church, located at 1315 College St, Oxford, NC 27565, has stepped up as a collection site for canned food and bottled water to help those affected, according to Granville County, North Carolina GOP chairman Michael Magnanti.
This is an important request for donations, and your help can make all the difference. Here is a message from Delrayno Baptist Church Pastor Joe Don Cooper:
Good evening brothers and sisters,
We are collecting water and canned goods for flood victims in Western North Carolina in Delrayno. A designated lane near the picnic shelter has been set up for drop-off. I have a direct connection with the church in the surrounding area, which is ready to serve as a shelter, and we are coordinating with NC Baptists in Mission to provide relief.
The Oxford Police Department will conduct additional drive-throughs throughout the day and night to ensure the safety of donations. We will arrange transportation based on the amount collected.
Please pray for this effort and donate whatever you feel led to do. Also, remember to lift up the families, first responders, and linemen who are working so hard in this devastated area.
Now we collect
- water
- Canned food (preferably pop-top)
- Plastic tools
You can drop off a donation at the picnic shelter at any time.
God bless you all, and THANK YOU for your generosity!
Joe Don Cooper”
According to Magnanti, in addition to Delrayno Baptist Church, other churches in the area have opened their doors to help with this collection effort:
- First Baptist Church of Butner at 200 WD St, Butner, NC 27509also collect canned food and bottled water.
- Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 2677 NC-56, Creedmoor, NC 27522also accepting donations.
Local Organizations in Western North Carolina You Can Help Through BPR News:
- Manna FoodBank (Asheville)
The organization’s warehouse was prepared ahead of the storm, and they are coordinating recovery efforts. There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering to donating. To donate online, visit the Manna FoodBank donation page. - Lover of Asheville
Volunteers collect and distribute supplies such as food, bottled water, and other essential items. Monetary donations can be made through:- Venmo: @BeLoved-Asheville
- CashApp: $BeLovedAsheville
- Number: 828-412-2054
Special items needed include: trash bags, blankets, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby clothes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. Truck owners are needed to help deliver supplies. Updates are available on the organization’s social media pages.
- Foothills Food Center
Based in McDowell County, they are providing water and shelf-stable goods for those affected. You can donate here. - Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
In partnership with the Red Cross, they provide shelter and support to displaced residents. Donations to help with food and motel vouchers can be made at ABCCM. - Homeward Bound (Asheville)
Help the homeless community by distributing essential items and clothing during the storm. For donations and more information, visit the Homeward Bound website. - Mountain Project (Waynesville)
Assist with emergency housing and response planning for Helene’s impact. Learn more about his work at Mountain Projects. - WNC Regional Livestock Center (Canton)
Help farmers and animals affected by floods. Donations to purchase feed and other necessities can be made by contacting Yvonne Coburn at 828-216-4496. - American Red Cross of North Carolina
Shelters have opened in Western North Carolina, with opportunities to volunteer or donate blood. Donations can be made by texting “Helene” to 90999 or through the website. - Salvation Army of the Carolinas
Known for providing food and support during disasters, you can find more information about donating here. - Baptists in Mission
Volunteers are needed for flood recovery and temporary roof repairs. Sign up to help or donate here. - United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
Offers a 2-1-1 hotline to connect residents with resources. Donations for disaster response can be made here. - Samaritan’s Purse
The organization is responding to the Upper State of North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Volunteer deployment begins on September 30. Donations can be made online. - Community Foundation of North Carolina
The foundation’s disaster fund will provide post-storm support. Information can be found here. - Operation Airdrop
Delivering essential supplies to disaster-stricken areas of North Carolina. To participate, visit the website. - Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina
This organization helps foster families displaced by the floods. To donate or volunteer, visit the website. - Green Democracy
Volunteers work in the Cleveland, Rutherford, McDowell, Burke, and Watauga areas. Call 910-813-3757 for more details on how to help. Requested supplies include a grill, charcoal, and non-perishable food. Visit our Facebook page for updates. - The Swatchworks (Asheboro, NC)
Items like water, food, and grills can be dropped off from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For larger deliveries, call first.
According to FEMA:
Members and partners of the National Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters (VOAD) are actively helping communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. The organization will continue to serve the affected areas as long as necessary. Please note that there are no requests for donations outside of cash at this time. Unwanted goods should not be sent, and people should exercise self-control in disaster zones.
