The aftermath of Hurricane Heleen has left North Carolina in a state of desperation as communities grapple with the immense devastation caused by the powerful storm. The Category 4 hurricane, which ripped through the coastal areas before moving inland, left a trail of destruction that has left thousands of residents homeless, cities submerged under water, and basic infrastructure in shambles.
The situation is dire in towns like Asheville, one of the hardest-hit areas. Streets remain flooded, homes are reduced to rubble, and many residents are still unaccounted for. With power lines down and communications severely disrupted, families struggle to reconnect with loved ones and access critical information. In some areas, the loss of electricity has caused food shortages, as refrigerated supplies spoiled and local stores were forced to close. Emergency shelters, though operational, are overcrowded and running low on essentials, from clean water to medical supplies.
The emotional toll is as severe as the physical damage. Survivors are recounting their harrowing experiences, many describing how they were trapped in their homes, surrounded by rising waters with no means of escape. For some, the rescue teams that arrived days later were their only lifeline. Yet, even with efforts by state authorities and national emergency response teams, the sheer scale of the destruction has left many residents feeling abandoned, unsure of when help will fully arrive.
In rural areas, the situation is even more desperate. Floodwaters have cut off entire communities, making it impossible for aid workers to reach the most needy. Farmland, a lifeblood for many families in North Carolina, has been washed away, leaving little hope for the upcoming harvest season. This loss impacts local food production and threatens the livelihoods of countless farmers who now face economic ruin.
Watch: Helicopters deliver much-needed supplies to people in Asheville, North Carolina, trapped by debris after #HurricaneHelene ——————— The devastation is easy enough to see from the ground, but taking a bird’s-eye view hammers home the challenges that people in Asheville, North Carolina, face after Hurricane Helene. NewsNation took an exclusive ride with the United Cajun Navy.
Across the state, the desperation is palpable. Gas shortages have led to long lines at the few remaining functional stations, with tempers flaring as residents scramble to secure fuel for generators and vehicles. Hospitals are operating under emergency conditions, with staff working tirelessly to treat the injured and the sick despite dwindling resources and limited access to medication.
**Y’all, we need to have a real talk about what’s happening in the North Carolina mountains after Hurricane Helene.** . First off, if you have family or friends up there or headed that way, *please* let them know looting is on the rise. Just yesterday, a sheriff told me to make sure anyone out there is carrying—*with the safety off.* These folks aren’t all bad—they’re desperate, because in some of these communities, there’s no water. When people are desperate, they do desperate things. . I’ll say it plain: the government ain’t coming to save us. Not now, not ever. It’s us, the citizens, who have to step up. And let me tell y’all, my community—just over an hour away—showed up. They brought water, diapers, formula, bleach, vinegar, and more to our donation sites. We’re taking even more donations today, and I’m making sure they go straight to the hands of volunteers I trust. . Why? Because people told me, “Leigh, we don’t trust the relief organizations anymore.” And you know what? They’re right. We’ve lost our organizations to liars and grifters. It’s time we rely on each other—like patriots built this country, one by one. And I promise you this, I’m getting your donations to where they need to go. . So to my fellow North Carolinians in the mountains: you are NOT forgotten. If you’re outside of NC, and you want to help, send real supplies. *Money isn’t going to feed or hydrate anyone.* . This is a wake-up call for all of us. Start stocking up water and food. Make sure you’re ready for when, not if, disaster strikes. And if you can, send your donated goods with a friend and make sure the trucks are loaded—our first responders are stretched thin. . Y’all, we can’t wait on elected officials. Special shoutout to Governor DeSantis for doing more for us than our own governor. Thank you, Governor. And to the Baptists out of Boone and Samaritan’s Purse—I trust y’all to do right by our people. . The most important thing you can do? *Pray.* Pray for the folks up there. Pray they turn back to God. And pray for a hedge of protection around those who’ve witnessed things they never should have. . I had a lady at my donation site yesterday whose 10-year-old grandson has seen bodies on the ground. He’s finally getting out today, but y’all, no child should have to see that. . Do what you can. Pray, donate, spread the word. And to those who’ve already helped—*thank you* from the bottom of my heart. We’re in this together. God bless. 🙏 . If you would like to help: 1. Donate Needed Supplies: We’ll ensure they reach the hardest-hit areas. (Text 704-621-3464 for donation locations.) Water Tarps Baby stuff Baby formula Towels Blankets Pillows Toilet Paper Paper Towels Soap Shampoo Non perishable food Flashlights Batteries 2. Donate Funds: Send your donation via Venmo (@ltbinc) or Cash App ($leighthomasbrown), and label “Care for WNC”. I’ll shop for urgently needed supplies. Every dollar goes directly to relief efforts. . #leighbrown#onecommunity#desantis#giveback#ncmountains#northcarolina#ashevillenc#hendersonvillenc#morgantonnc#swannanoa#helpingothers#hurricanehelene#realtoroftiktok @Samaritan’s Purse @ABC World News Tonight @ABC @Good Morning America
State and federal agencies are coordinating relief efforts, but the enormity of the situation has stretched resources thin. Volunteers from across the country have begun arriving to assist, but the road to recovery is expected to be long and arduous. Rebuilding homes, restoring infrastructure, and reviving the economy will take months, if not years. And while there is resilience in the people of North Carolina, the frustration and uncertainty over the future are undeniable.
The struggle is far from over. As communities come together to rebuild, there is an urgent need for continued support, both from within and outside the state. North Carolina is a state marked by its strength and determination, but Hurricane Heleen’s destruction has brought it to its knees. In this time of need, the call for unity and action has never been more critical.
