As we enter Day #10, Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham appeared on Fox News this morning to discuss the scope of the crisis in Western North Carolina.
According to Graham, the two most pressing needs are (1) volunteers and (2) hope. Volunteers are needed to just grunt out the work of trying to clear homes, clear trees, get access to some of the most rural and isolated areas; and then provide HOPE to the people who have been devastated and lost everything.
As outlined, the Starlink communication system is being deployed to the churches as a rally point for the communities in the rural areas. If they can get communication lines opened up at the same place fellowship can provide support, then two major issues can be tackled long-term for the residents in the most impacted areas. WATCH:
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Both Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina are suffering from the flood damage. In places of highest elevation, the Blue Ridge Parkway is reported to look desolate, every leaf removed from the entire tree line by hurricane force gales. The valley areas are in various states of destruction caused by flooding; however, communication is starting to increase. There are still a large number of missing people, and many estimate the death toll will climb.
My money is on the lack of a decent religious upbringing is what leads to not being compassionate and empathic. I’d bet those who are on social media and active in their houses of worship are every bit as compassionate and empathic as their fellow church goers who are not.
Politics is the religion of the liberal.
Lying too!
There are two U-Hauls Leaving South Dakota on Tues, one from east and west.
From What I am hearing it might be more cause they are almost full now.
Thank you, good folks in South Dakota!
Thank you K!!
Is there a contact in South Dakota to find out what they need
This is the one in my area, so I kept it. !!
Cant find the other one when I do I will post
How to Donate Items to North Carolina hurricane Helene victims, in Black Hills, SD area, from someone in SD:
“We are trying to fill up a 15 ft U-Haul
If you wouldn’t mind getting the word out that would be amazing
This is my uncle who is going down to deliver donations to people who lost everything in North Carolina and Tennessee. Would you please share this?
Hey everyone!
My husband is putting together a Uhaul of supplies to take to small communities in TN. I have reached out to some people and they are asking for diapers, bottles, wasp spray, Benadryl, chafing fuel, chainsaw oil, warm clothing, blankets, tarps, rope, adult diapers, feminine products, hygiene products, charcoal, batteries, lighters, flash lights, lanterns, etc. We will be using the Fairburn Fire Department as a drop off location. He plans to leave by Wednesday or Thursday. Anything helps! Please share this with anyone you think is willing to donate
Rapid City Drop-off location: How To Grow Today until 4pm and 9:30-5:30 Monday and Tuesday. They are closed Sunday.
How to grow address
399 E Watts Ln Unit F, Rapid City, SD 57701″
Please see reply to your post above with items desperately needed.
All Electric cooperatives from Eastern South Dakota District 19 are heading their way as well. Prayers requested for them in their travels and work when they get there. To give them names they are: Oahe, Bon Homme Yankton, Sioux Valley, East River Power and West River Electric.
Here in Ohio we saw a caravan of Sheriffs cars from various small towns and suburbs in northern and central areas, which were all marked “K-9.” They were on I-75 South.
They were all doing about 80-85 mph!
We deduced (correctly) that they were on the way to Tennessee/North Carolina to help with rescue and recovery efforts.
Various counties have been collecting food, cleaning supplies, baby diapers, etc. at their fairgrounds to send to the affected areas.
Many churches and local charities are also collecting things!
That is incredible. I love hearing these stories. People in the disaster zones need to have hope.
Go Ohio!!!
Please if you can get the word out. They are desperately requesting work boots. Any size and used is ok. They need blankets, jackets, coats, hats, all sizes. It is supposed to drop off in the 30s tomorrow night for the first time since spring. They are totally unprepared for any cold weather. I know it being South Dakota y’all might have some of these items to spare. God bless y’all for coming to help. It’s probably the worst thing you will see in America.
Thank you for this information. I will try to pass it to our Christian Radio Station Life96.5. Usually, they do a lot of Hands and Feet for Jesus things.
Passed it on — What ever I have extra around my home I will be taking down to them tomorrow!
Then hit the store of whatever they need the most before I hit the stores with what money I have. .
Just IGNORE these souless social media idiots.
They want attention because they have lonely miserable lives.
Praying for all of the victims of Hurricane Helene.🙏
Everybody can talk about how obstinate or stupid people are not heeding warnings…. But what about the people, like in Katrina, that have no place to go… No money to get them someplace else, or no vehicle to leave in?! It’s easy to talk bullshit when you’re sitting behind a camera with clean dry clothes, clean hair, food in your belly and water in your fridge. These people are so stupid, AND… Just have really rancid hearts!
What about people reluctant to leave their homes because if their home is spared, the looters will get their stuff?
They need supplies to hunker down with.
And those with beloved pets which to abandon would like leaving a child behind.
This is the sad part about disasters–There are always those who don’t care & take advantage of the situation. Sometimes I wonder what is worse the looters or the price gougers.
I can tell you who is worse. FEMA. They are trying to take over the whole citizens rescue efforts and contract it out to their buddies. The sheriffs are about to have a standoff with them. They’ve come in and took over all the motel rooms that families with nowhere to go can’t get rooms. They are trying to put flight restrictions so the helicopters can’t fly. It’s awful what is going on. Elon Musk tried to send in loads of Starlink and they confiscated them. He called them out and so has President Trump in his last couple rallies. It is the people of these communities that are rescuing their neighbors. They are finding ways around FEMA and still carrying in supplies by mule trains, goat trains, 4 wheelers, buggies and jeeps. God Bless America!
Agreed, Dino.
Some people need to learn, “There but for the Grace of God go you or I.”
“…social media has ruined empathy and compassion in some people.”
Not true.
Social media has revealed the lack of empathy and compassion in some people, and has given them a way to manifest that lack beyond their immediate circle of acquaintances/relatives (who already knew that about them and, therefore, avoided them as much as possible).
There is no reason to credit social media with that kind of power…that’s the same as letting the moslem rapist blame the American girl for wearing a skirt that was shorter than anything he was used to (….her skirt was knee-length, y’know) so she was responsible for what happened.
Social media definitely DID NOT ruin empathy and compassion.
Thanks! You are so accurate here!
Yes, Sharon. The same cadre who wanted to shun (and worse) those of us who chose not to get injected during the “pandemic”.
The foundations of civility (treating others as one would wish to be treated) have rotted through.
Some have devolved it seems.
there have always been jerks
social media gives them a larger reach for their venom
but, social media also gives the rest of us a voice
in all areas of life there is good and bad; that’s how it is
I live in the the mountains of Western North Carolina, fortunately in an area that was spared the total devastation of some other areas.
I am at 3,000 feet altitude and over 400 miles from the Gulf coast. I don’t recall ever getting a hurricane warning to evacuate in the 22 years Ive lived here.
We knew there would be rain, we get a lot of rain here annually however 29 inches in 2 days was totally unexpected. Add to that recorded wind gusts between 35 mph and 106 mph at Mt. Mitchell.
The number of rivers and streams in this area of the country is mind boggling. The small county I live in has more waterfalls per sq mile than any other county in the country. The combination of the rain and wind was catastrophic.
This NOT a matter of people not heeding warnings. We are not stupid and we do wear shoes from time to time.
Dear NC,
We get it. I have lived in tornado country. About the time you have mapped out it’s path– it spins in another direction.
I am far away from these disasters. Those that are closer can either volunteer or contribute necessities.
This is what I personally can do–tomorrow a.m. I will mail my 4th donation. I personally am able to do that.
All of us can pray. 🙏
Keep those prayers coming! 🙏
God bless the victims.
God bless the volunteers.
❤️🙏🇺🇲
Bless you, Lorrie. My diatribe was directed toward those who keep saying that warnings were not heeded.
I have donated to Samaritan’s Purse and to my church that is collecting and contributing massive amounts of supplies to the local community.
Oh, I didn’t disagree with anything you said! I am just encouraging & applauding folks who do whatever they can. If it is just praying — that is wonderful. We all need to pray.
Other folks are up there dodging FEMA and giving aid to their fellow man. Those of us who are farther away who can donate to the private churches and charities — are doing what we can. It takes all of us people working together!
God bless the good people of this country. 🙏
Please minimize the damage of this next storm!
🙏❤️🇺🇲
Communists, that’s who they are and what they do.
Either they’ll repent or be destroyed by God.
Bear in mind that there are people who are definitely not communists who, nevertheless, are awful and not safe to be around.
There are some that are communists and don’t know it. 🙁
Agree with this!
That was spot on the divergent viewpoint of either side.
One side has grit, solves problems, and extends a hand to those in need (regardless).
The other side lectures, threatens, and turns their backs unless you belong to their tribe.
Today I watched a Trump supporter reem out a democrat that insisted FEMA is there on the ground and people are lying about it.
It was great.
What a liberal a-hole. You know that schmuck will vote for the Ho.
Yup.
That is golden! My fellow hillbilly!
Thank you Sundance!
That fools like this dude think anyone wants to hear their disgusting rants, tells you how self-centered and IGNORANT they are. I wish this fool the worst that Karma has to offer!
No words, it if you can go and roll up your sleeves
Do it,
Our government has abandoned its citizens
She never said those words about American citizens who have lost everything and were cut off from food water and transportation. Any person in this country that votes for this woman and her crazy running mate needs a mental health evaluation immediately.
Doing her best not to, Cjzak…so far, so good.
🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
THE (predominantly unelected) government — not OUR government. It does not support the citizens of this country.
Anyone know of charities or churches taking children’s toys? I’m in MA with 2 young children. Scheduled to give blood but I’d also like to send some of their loosely used toys and maybe a package of diapers.
Frank, someone here posted this church info a few days ago. Sorry that I cannot give credit to the original CTH person who provided this, along with details. However, the church does have a website AND a Facebook page. I’m not on FB but I glanced and the church has current info about relief efforts. In my household we are all in for the Mule Packers, Cajun Navy 216, and this week will send a check to this church as they DO have a snail mail address–much appreciated. Our family is mostly horse people. Have been to many cowboy churches. We trust them but you can research. Here ya go:
Blue Ridge Cowboy Church
PO Box 363
Fairview, NC 287
Cajun Navy 2016 has a wish list established on Amazon. People have been amazing. My sister and her husband and my husband and I ordered from their wish list. No frills–all common sense things that the people need. The URL direct link is https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/118NNB9WR3N2P?ref_=wl_share and they may put toys and clothes for kids for Christmas on the list once they get the basic survival needs met. I can’t say for sure but I can only hope that Amazon is matching on at least a 1 for 10 basis. I ordered a portable grill and they had 100 requested. That wish was filled in only a few hours. Same for charcoal. They also have canned foods with pop-top lids that can actually be put directly on the cooker to provide people with a warm meal. Hopefully the camping meal kits will be added (metal dish with attached fork, spoon, knife) and metal cup.
Haven’t seen Life Straws yet but that would be something really good for people to have to filter water for drinking!
Thanks for the info I appreciate everyone’s help. Although on TCH I’m not surprised by the outpouring of support and suggestions
I saw a post for Benedryl and blankets. Getting colder in the mountains. Also I’ve not seen it mentioned but maybe some pillows to lay a weary head..😊
Come to think of it – I’m sure Mike Lindell will also become involved…
AND another thought – up here in Woke blueMA no charity will take used pillows ever, and mattresses have to be burned instead of given away.
I’m not sure whether the population went germaphobe/hypochondriacal before CoupVID-19(84) or after, but it’s a blue wall of waste now for sure.
I’ve always thought that’s a sin and a shame. I will look for some way to get my extra mypillows, of which I have several, en route, if at all possible. Also planning small $$ donations too.
Thanks to everyone on this thread making suggestions!
If you can’t donate items, but can make a financial donation, Cajun Navy and Samaritan’s Purse are doing the work.
I am know many local churches in the area are also contributing.
Definitely the 2 best ones doing the heavy lifting. Also Mountain Mule Packer Ranch who is working together with the Cajun Navy. The mules are doing an incredible job of packing food, water and medicines up in the places nobody can get too. Thing is they have to eat to keep their strength up to do miles and miles day after day. So please consider them in your donations so they can continue to reach people. They have an excellent FB page with all their info and updates if you want to check them out. There are many horses out there too volunteering. So far there have been lots of feed and hay donations coming in. I’m in Coastal Georgia and it got us too but nothing to compare. That area of NC is where the people in my area vacation and is like a second home to us. So needless to say many loads of donations coming from our area. Please all those of faith say prayers for all those trapped that they may be found and for all the first responders that they will be protected in their efforts and guided to those in need.🙏🏻
They’ll be comin’ round the mountain when they come.
They’ll be drivin’ twelve brown mules when they come…..
Yes, Hiraeth, to the Mountain Mule Packer Ranch! It is in the top 3 donation choices for us.
I have ridden back country for years and unless one has actually done it, there is no way to articulate the difficulty of the job they are performing. It is extremely dangerous and requires training and skill for both humans and mules/horses. Mules are highly qualified for this type of work. They are smart and sure-footed. These beasts of burden are prized, are part of the family, and are treated with respect. It takes many, many man hours just to care for them. You don’t just turn off the engine and park them at night.
The mules are doing God’s work at this time. My household is too far away to drive with a donation load, so we’re sending money. Thankful for the mules and the work of this ranch, as well as other horse organizations and clubs that are doing similar tasks. Horses can work, as in pull logs, etc., to clear roads. Consider . . . that’s why engines are measured in “horse power” . . . so yes to support these efforts.
Prayers for you and all in Coastal Georgia.
Thanks for the info. I was wondering about using Amazon. Today I went to a drop off location that has connections to a church down there and will be taking a tractor trailor. It was a thing of beauty to see all the people driving in and dropping off supplies. It was non-stop for the hour I was there. Life straws are an excellent idea.
I have noted I have not seen any celebrities doing their pleading ads to keep themselves relative and I have not heard much about big corporations doing a whole lot. In some ways that is good because all it would amount to is money laundering, by the time everyone got their cut the people on the ground wouldn’t get much at all.
Dolly has given 2M through her foundation and personal funds. Zack Brown, and Morgan Wallen have also sent trucks of supplies and/or given donations. There may be more I do not know about.
This is the link to the place Dolly put her money.
mountainwaystn.org
https://mountainwaystn.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0tu4SJetQeoF_jM8tD0X2ID9zTNIrUjyoxRm3bieRGrfffNeATMIF2oLo_aem_2YqZhIaaaFLJHNtRSqQqOw
Not exactly the celebrity types I was thinking about.
Agree. Dolly has been careful not to endorse PDJT for biz reasons, which makes sense for her in her position.
But I am confident she has and will continue to do what can be done quietly. I’m also certain what lever she will pull.
By the way, evidently someone has already written a filk to the tune of “Jolene” called “Helene.” I haven’t heard it yet but if I find it and it’s good I will post…
I believe you can designate a charity for Amazon to donate a percent to.
Thank you very much for this link. Just what I’ve been looking for. Have sent $ donations but wanted a way to send supplies to those boots on the ground.
Just went to the above Amazon link and purchased several needed items. It is really easy and quick. Will arrive this week to the Cajun Navy on site in western NC. The needs list is always changing.
Thank you for the link.
I had heard this about Amazon but couldn’t locate on the site.
I have donated to Samaritans Purse but wanted to do more.
I didn’t see any food items so I just ordered tons of socks and stuff.
I just wish I could do more.
I did send the link to some friends.
A good friend is flying down to Florida as his brother’s house was messed up pretty badly.
The insurance company is saying that they won’t cover any damage that was not 10 feet above ground so the whole ground floor is not covered.
WHAT????
The treeper was possibly sDee?
I think so! Thank you!
‘welcome. She posted an amazing account of what she (or he? not sure, sorry) accomplished. Made my heart sing just a little.
Thank you I really appreciate the info! My wife and I will start looking into it
Good-hearted people in these cowboy churches – living out Christ’s admonition to love our neighbors -and to leave the Pharisee stuff behind.
^^^^THIS ^^^^ 100%!!! I have heard some of the best words while outdoors in the saddle attending a cowboy church service with a big wooden cross behind the preacher!
FEMA Director Criswell was moaning with George Stephanopoulos today that criticizing the agency is “dangerous”.
Such criticism “…has an effect on the comfort level of our own employees. When you have this dangerous rhetoric like you’re hearing, it creates fear in our employees.”
And there you have it.
Self and “feelings above the desperate need of Americans …which sure as heck isn’t coming from a depraved government agency.
Now, criminal illegals? That’s another story.
Well,… Bless fema’s heart
There is no such organ in any of them.
Or perhaps the only organ they have is their own feelings.
+ BLESS Mayorkas’ heart.
Me, me, me…
Despicable and soulless.
Try as I might, Lorrie, I cannot understand people (?) like that. And I hope I never can.
Are they taking the piss?
Alas, no. I watched her say it. There was a slight chin quiver. Sickening.
What about the fear of abandonment in the hearts of those people in NC, SC, TN, GA??
Doesn’t count. In fact I very much doubt a single thought has been given to those stricken. Those in charge, like Criswell, were born with pieces missing.
You cannot put Soy Boys in positions to do a man’s job. You cannot put Karen’s in positions to do a woman’s job.
Funny, Leave…all I have seen are wimmin in these positions. Wimmin without a shred of that quality which is , or should be, one of our strongest and most natural….compassion.
I don’t know if these cold, heartless miserable excuses for woman kind have any children. If they do, my sympathies are with the poor things.
I am still cringing from that one guy on the NC Governor pressor, he scared me to think people’s lives are in his hands. Technically I suppose he doesn’t count as FEMA, but is in the mix. UGH.
It is amazing to watch all the former military step up and use their skills. The people from Samaritans Purse are real people and the crew at the Ya’ll YT site.
Don’t give a $h!t about government employees feelings. Do the job that the people who pay tax dollars for your salaries expect you to do. No one is threatening you, we’re just in disbelief at your incompetence.
Is it incompetence, Unconquered?
Or is it malicious intent.
I lean toward the latter.
I watched government helicopters block private aircraft from landing at the airport to deliver supplies, or render aid to people in the mountains.
The government won’t do it. They are hellbent on interfering with private citizens’ help. 👹🔥
IMO at the higher levels, yes, malicious; at the lower levels DEI incompetence.
Frank, just found the actual street address for the church:
Blue Ridge Cowboy Church
49 Saxon Hill Rd, Fairview NC
(828) 684-5555
https://brcowboychurch.org/ “……
Complete zip code is 28730
Thank you! Everything so hectic . . .
In most cases, you can contact local churches. They often are coordinating with organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and seek guidance from them on needed items. There may well be children who will not have a home for Santa to even come to this year! Maybe you can organize groups willing to give money and get it to Samaritan’s Purse of the East Tennessee Society in November in order for these children to at least have something for Christmas. Most of those living in the rural mountain communities don’t have flood insurance so they may not have anything but a tent to spend Christmas in this year!
Flood insurance has never been promoted in the mountains. In addition Mud insurance is now required according to Insurance adjusters since NC law changed a few years ago after winter Mud slides in ice storms. People with no power or heat in isolated areas will need wood stoves of some type to heat and cook very soon. (plenty of wood for fuel is on hand). The water purifying devices that don’t require power will also be needed in some isolated areas.
I was wondering about the wood today, who will come in and make a profit off it?
How about the largest lithium deposits in the world and the kind of quartz used to make chips with that happens to be the only source.
I am asking about the wood. Lots and lots of lumber to be taken and the people not getting any thing back, as in rebuilding their homes. They could make entire communities of log cabins, temporary shelters etc. When we had Iceageddon over 4,000 trees were down in one area alone. The Commonwealth kept all the wood for their projects, nothing recycled back to the community.
That’s a great idea. Only thing is there is no way to salvage it unless it is in the towns or rivers. They would need a place to store it and heavy equipment to move it. There aren’t any roads capable of carrying heavy equipment. I’ve seen an excavator and tractors that happened to be between roads that were out being able to help clear some of the debris so people could get around the area but they still are trapped. I hate to see all that wood go to waste too. It is majority hardwoods that would be excellent for home building. But I have a feeling that it is such a dire situation that basic survival will be the most important thing for a long time.
Kamala’s fake husband owns a huge share of the lithium mine. Interesting– huh?
Oh my. My suspicious cat just opened her eyes…
Many of the fallen trees are large Chestnut oaks and Red Oaks. Since most locals with chain saws are cutting them up to clear their property they are being cut into 12-14 inch pieces that can be carried by two people which can only be used for firewood or particles now. The value for laminates in furniture require larger pieces and equipment to handle larger cuts is not here. There will be no shortage of firewood in the storm area for a few years. The cost of hauling the wood to other areas because of it’s weight will not be very profitable. Most of the wood will go to waste and become dirt.
We are hearing that all donations should be made to local churches or non profits such as Samaritans Purse, Cajun Navy to keep FEMA from confiscating it. They are doing the same thing they did in Houston and Fort Myers. Confiscating all civilian donations and sending to a warehouse.
It’s a grift for most of these Federal clowns. They won’t allow the private donations because the corrupt GSA will award some emergency contracts to their crony buddies to pay 100 times their normal price and charge the taxpayer for them, while half of it will be lost to rot in contracted warehouses awarded to more crony buddy.
A friend in the flood zone of TN confirms this.
Those supplies going to illegals?/
If you search online for churches in these Eastern Tennessee counties and towns, literally every single one is accepting donations of needed items.
Some toys would be a great choice. Kid sized blankets too. The surviving children are going to be very traumatized.
All of these counties and towns are devastated too.
Unicoi Co., Greene Co., Cocke Co., Carter Co., Sullivan Co. Erwin TN or Newport TN.
Thank you so much for any help you provide.
God Bless you.
Thanks for sharing much appreciated! God bless to you as well.
THANK YOU! I keep trying to find small churches in small communities. If others feel the same, here you go. Lots of choices including providing temporary housing for displaced people. Important as the temperature drops.
Disaster Relief | Unicoi Christian Chu (unicoichristianchurch.com)
You’re welcome! Thank you for your efforts.
We would like to send money for Iron Mountain. Not at all familiar with that area. Any church suggestions? Or fire departments?
Calvary Baptist Church
225 Holly Ln, Elizabethton, TN 37643
Immanuel Baptist Church
205 Hunter Ave, Elizabethton, TN 37643
Grace Baptist Church
1114 Broad St, Elizabethton, TN 37643
Stony Creek Volunteer Fire Dept.
150 South St. Elizabethton TN 37643.
(423) 474-2001
Thank you! God Bless you for helping.
Alleycats, thank you for the specifics. I came back here to see if anyone answered (forgot to hit the bell).
Go to the Samaritan’s Purse website, and then read up all the details on Operation Christmas Child.
Basically, you full up a shoebox with small toys, school supplies, hygiene items such as comb, brush, too paste, toothbrush, face cloth, soap, etc.
Please read all their recommendations. You decide what age group child and whether girl or boy, and then fill up the shoebox
Find out if they are also conducting a box-filling operation somewhere near you
They also distribute shoeboxes to children in disaster areas, and I would think they might have a major need
Frank, just found the actual street address for the church:
Blue Ridge Cowboy Church
49 Saxon Hill Rd, Fairview NC
(828) 684-5555
https://brcowboychurch.org/ “……
T.Turtle supplied this info from her post in the Presidential thread. They accept Amazon deliveries at this church as well.
First Christian Church
401 West Main st
Mountain City, TN 37683
Help from my area will be leaving for NC this week.
I will not be personally going, but I know and am afdiliated with others who are.
Our efforts over the last few days through localized outreach in my community have filled a sizeable U Haul with every conceivable item imaginable less combustibles (fuel, etc).
Our efforts focused on asking our community to just simply empty their closets, garages, pantries, drawers of anything and everything that was not being used.
That approach of not asking for cash nor to go out and spend money on items, was well received and filled our individual trucks in a matter of just a couple of days, as we ferried them to our staging area.
The outpouring of support was overwhelming. My pickup is almost filled a second time in less than2 days, and I am only one of many. Will be delivering that tomorrow.
Deployment ‘sometime’ after Monday.
I encourage others to organize and try something similar if you know of anyone that you are familiar with and trust going to make direct delivery
Our is loosely church based.
Location of and exact time of expected arrival is being kept private (operational security) as the person(s) responsible for delivery have family that have confirmed there are governmental interference, deliberate or not, operations in place.
I have not only heard of trustworty second hand accounts but have read actual emails from first hand affected individuals in the area of the devastation and government shenanigans, this past week.
For those of us in Florida who have lived thru hurricanes, one account was from a person that previously lived in Florida and lived thru several past hurricanes. This person’s account is that the aftermath of the damage and what it will require to recover was worst than his/her personal hurricane experiences.
Of note, cold weather at night is rapidly approaching.
Please help if you can.
Thank you Black Knight!
That is a really good idea.
When you get to your destination. Have strength in numbers; Do not ask permission, Just help the people who are closer to dying every day they remain trapped.
It’s day 10. I think about someone’s tiny infant having to go 10 days without food, and if that child is still alive…
Tell the stories. Aim the sunlight. Do the work and refuse illogical orders. Please…
May God richly bless you and your crew. Prayers up for you to be cloaked in His divine protection, that your travels be swift and free from interference with God Himself leading you to the survivors.
Amen.
🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸👍
Depending on what happens here with Milton/Nadine I may have no place to really go but the family cabin that was spared in the disaster zone.
If my house survives and my elderly neighbors don’t need help I will be up in Canton to do what I can ASAP.
There will be years of work up there. Thanks for your heartfelt post, bro.
Black Knight, this is excellent. Chapeau.
Is the Blue Ridge Parkway able to be utilized? I read the feds/fema closed it. The parkway is a rural superhighway for backcountry and hollows.
I spent tyme in Mt Airy, Big Medow and spots in between, however It was utilized. I’d like to know.
https://www.foxcarolina.com/2024/10/04/blue-ridge-parkway-entirely-shut-down-after-hurricane-helene/
The whole Parkway is closed.
Closed entirely by the feds, for our protection, doncha know.
The treeline was devastated. Doubt the park service has the manpower nor the budget to clear everything quickly. Plus some of Parkway disappeared. I can see the ridge that the Parkway is built on through Transylvania County NC from my house.
The Park Service struggles continually with maintenance.
and then there are idiots who do this:
https://people.com/blue-ridge-parkway-north-carolina-closes-after-visitors-try-hold-black-bear-cub-8385845
Darwin award winner.
There are entire sections of the road missing.
I had the same thoughts buckwheat but if you consider what that beast Helene’s winds did on the ridgetops ….might be a lot of debris to clear. Still it might be better than mudslides and washed out river bottoms.
No and they say it will take years to repair. I 40 is closed till Sept. 2025 and I 26 is closed till March. A 5 minute ride may now take an hour and half. So heartbreaking to see this beautiful place destroyed.
I can not believe how our government has betrayed these citizens.
It’s so blatant.
But,Instagram is showing hundreds of videos of fellow Americans out there helping and getting the job done.
I am so proud of will of the average American.
There is hope yet
Tik Tok is loaded with thousands of videos. It is Americans saving Americans, not the government.
During superstorm Sandy, entire neighborhoods were flooded. Cars, boats and household debris were strewn in the roadways, with no power restored for weeks and months in some cases.
Even first responders were in need. One fireman broke down and cried in my arms. Both his house and the firehouse were destroyed in the flood. It was heartbreaking.
The volunteers who arrived from other states restored power, helped to clear debris and brought supplies and much-needed relief. Many pitched in to help their neighbors, focusing on the elderly, infirm and families with young children.
FEMA set up in a field to push paperwork. They provided light snacks, water and trailers for hot showers as snow dusted the area.
Coats, gloves, long underwear hooded sweatshirts, socks, undershirts, knit hats undewear, boots, shoes,
The weather will be changing on a dime down there.
Folks can go to thrift stores and start buying winter clothes items and donate them to churches to get to the mountains. Or churches can start asking members to donate any winter clothing they no longer need or use.
The mts. Will start getting very cold by Nov. 1.
What a great idea!
Thank you!
It’s already forecast in the 40s at night this week. Feels colder when the wind blows.
And the wind always blows on the ridges.. 😢
40 degrees isn’t a problem… but 40 degrees in wet clothes kinda sucks… not as bad as 30 degrees in wet clothes, though…
Sleep outside in 40 degrees without shelter. Or in a damp house with no bed.
Let me know how your night was.
I guess my comment was an inartful attempt at expressing what you wrote… those sorts of temps take on a whole new meaning when you’re at a disadvantage against the elements…
30s tomorrow night. First cold front coming thru this week.
This next week our area here in rural Sale Creek TN will be experiencing lows in the low 50’s t0 even 48 and it is generally 10 to 15 degrees colder in the mountains here so in the mountains of Western Carolina it is going to be getting very cold in the next week or two.
Very good practical specific list. The ideal of getting them from a thrift store is also very good. I read several articles from people who live in the area that said that the devastation is epic! A good point was made also that this needs to be in our prayers and to keep up with what is happening because this is going to be a long process. Several said the death toll will go much higher than the news is reporting because it will take a lot of time to get into these areas.
There are some local groups who are taking supplies, food, water, ice and fuel to the mountains. We are retired and not in the best physical shape but we can buy things that these people can take to distribute. We have donated to Samaritan’s Purse. My thought is that though we cannot give thousands of dollars, we can donate again as our retirement checks come in and we know that Samaritan’s Purse does the Lord’s work without regard to politics, religion, social status, or ability to pay. In times of this kind of crisis, social status means nothing. Floods don’t have the ability to analyze what party one supports, what church one attends or what your social status is in life. Samaritan’s Purse is probably the most amazing of all this type of organization and you know that the top officers are not hauling in 6 or 7 figure salaries!
So true.
Please, Do not fret that your kindness is not enough. Believe me everyone is eternally grateful for anything at all, no matter how small, you generously provide.
I personally know people in Erwin TN who have nothing but the clothes they were wearing when they fled the massive wall of water and debris 10 days ago.. they cry tears of joy for anything at all.
Thank you and God Bless you for helping.
May I trouble you to be specific as to where to send either $$ or goods? Too many choices for this WA resident. You said you know people in Erwin. Is there/are there specific churches?
I don’t mean to be intrusive. It’s just that I’m not going to buy sleeping bags or have Amazon send cases of food unless I know the ultimate destination can actually receive such deliveries.
I’ll get you a list. Hang tight.
Fionnagh, here is a list of churches in the hardest hit areas in TN. Any one of these can also direct you to their contacts on the ground in the disaster zone. Thanks.
God Bless you for helping.
My apologies for the long post.
Embreeville Church of Christ: 43433 Hwy 81S., Erwin TN
(423) 220-3747
Fishery Community Church: 501 Fishery Community Church Rd., Erwin, TN 37650
(423) 361-4579
Faith Hope & Love Family Church
466 Eastern Plaza Shopping Ctr, Newport, TN 37821
Memorial Baptist Church
599 Amanda Cir, Newport, TN 37822
Crossroads Community Church,
424 Heritage Blvd, Newport, TN 37821
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
140 Lincoln Ave, Newport, TN 37821
Manning Chapel Baptist Church
232 Manning Chapel Rd, Del Rio TN 37727,
Macedonia Baptist Church 0.27 miles
225 White Oak Ave, Newport, US
Mountain View Baptist Church
1375 Lewis Rd, Newport TN 37821
Newport Seventh-day Adventist Church
125 Hedrick Dr, Newport, TN 37821
Northport Baptist Church
488 Duncan St, Newport, TN 37821
Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church
234 Lincoln Ave, Newport, TN 37821
Fellowship Baptist Church
345 Bailey St, Newport, TN 37821
Webb’s Baptist Church
335 Wilton Springs Rd, Newport, TN 37821
West End Baptist Church
116 West End St, Newport TN, 37821
First Free Will Baptist Church
188 Jimtown Rd, Newport, TN 37822
South Side Baptist Church
232 Southside Cir, Newport, TN 37821
Crossroads Community Church
424 Heritage Blvd, Newport TN 37821
Newport First church of God
331 Woodson Rd, Newport, TN 37821
Unity Baptist Church
900 Morrell Springs Rd, Newport, TN 37822
Hilltop Baptist Church
270 Highway 25 E, Newport TN 37822
Dayspring Baptist Church
161 Western Plaza Way, Newport, TN
Cornerstone Baptist Church
142 Five Rivers Plaza Way, Newport TN 37821
Calvary Baptist Tabernacle
845 W Highway 25 70, Newport, TN 37822
Allen Chapel Road Baptist Church
1920 Allen Chapel Rd, Newport, TN 37821
Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church
1375 Cosby Hwy, Newport, TN 37822
Calvary Baptist Church
560 Bat Harbor Rd, Newport TN 37821,
Fellowship Presbyterian Church
2331 Early Rd, Newport, TN 37821
Wilsonville Baptist Church
120 New Cave Church Rd, Newport, TN 37822
Carson Springs Baptist Church
517 Johnson St, Newport TN 37821,
Providence Baptist Church
2263 Cosby Hwy, Newport, TN 37821
Newport Biker Church/Victory Mtn. Ministries
458 New Cave Church Rd, Newport, TN 37822
Forest Hill Baptist Church
1518 Highway 321, Parrottsville, TN 37843
Belmont Baptist Church
222 Belmont Ave, Mt Carmel, TN 37645
Trinity Baptist Church
1997 Hartford Rd, Cosby, TN 37722
Bethel Baptist Church
695 S Highway 340, Parrottsville, TN 37843
Dutch Bottoms Baptist Church
1084 Highway 25 E, Newport, TN 37821
This is amazing! Someone suggested we might donate on an ongoing basis as our monthly checks arrive (if we can’t give a whole lot now…) Your list gives me a chance to rotate:) Just printed the entire list. Thank you, Sundance for allowing us to communicate in this way on your site. Blessings to both of you.
Most excellent! Thank you.
Do these churches need clothing, etc. or can they use checks to buy what is needed? Is there a place for them to shop or order from?
Clothing, socks,underwear, shoes, boots, diapers, bottles, personal hygiene items, sheets and blankets; really just anything. You can mail checks as well. The needs will be ongoing for months.
Thank you, and God Bless you for helping.
Thank you so much for this information.So glad to see so many churches stepping up.
Thank you for this list Alleycats. I like Fionnagh’s idea of sending money on an ongoing basis when retirement checks arrive.. Can one just send a check to the church noting it’s for hurricane victims or should we call the church first for a contact?
In fairness, the idea was a2n8’s. Great idea about contacting first. I went to various web sites earlier today and emailed the pastors. Some of the churches don’t have a web site (even pre-hurricane) so the only option was leaving a voicemail. And some churches are turning over donations to the Red Cross, so i passed on those.
Here is my email to each pastor. Copy/paste saved a lot of time.
Hello. I reside in WA state and read a web site called The Conservative Treehouse. Someone posted your church contact info on that site with regard to Helene recovery efforts in [city or town]. Where may I send a monetary donation or cases of food that would directly assist any residents of [city or town]? Thank you in advance if you could let me know where any donations are most needed.
Respectfully,
[my name]
Thank you Fionnagh. I just saw this video and it was of Erwin, TN where all the churches from the list are located. Thanks for your draft email.
https://fb.watch/v387bWYaOp/?email.
Maybe call to see if mailing address is same as physical? Some have PO boxes.
Thank you and God Bless you for helping.
Side note. Just to let you know, the young man that works for hubby, whose grandparents were reported missing, let us know that due to our
efforts to gather their information and relay it to sources coordinating search and rescue, info YOU gave us, the grandparents were found alive and were rescued. They are doing ok.
Treepers are the BEST.
Thank you Alleycats and thank you for your encouraging words. Treepers really are the best. We all do a little bit to chip in ad help each other. We never know how/what we do will be used by God for good.
I saw a clip on WeatherStation on Erwin, where all these churches are. It was encouraging to hear they are getting help.
Now I’m watching Florida with Milton. I have family property and sibling down there but it’s the southeast area which is not projected to get anything bad, but it always has me on pins and needles.
Tace care, Alleyscats. Praying for the best for you and your area for a good recovery and restoration process.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&ref=watch_permalink&v=1054711552684665
🙏👍❤️
Agree with the list above and adding the group Dolly used for her donation….
mountainwaystn.org
https://mountainwaystn.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0tu4SJetQeoF_jM8tD0X2ID9zTNIrUjyoxRm3bieRGrfffNeATMIF2oLo_aem_2YqZhIaaaFLJHNtRSqQqOw
Everything is helpful. Thanks and God Bless you for helping.
So many!! Makes my heart cry with joy!
Samaritan’s Purse
PO Box 3000
Boone, NC 27607
Or
Go to their website.
Thank you. I gave to them early on. Now just tryin’ to focus in on a more local basis.
I was watching some YouTube and it is already kinda happening. People are setting up free for all centers, and that is great if people can make it to the center, but what about the ones that can’t make it off the mountain?
And how are they controlling people being greedy and grabbing more than they need or will use, which is human nature?
Sending it in by pack mules, atvs, buggies and jeeps
I have seen those videos. Somewhere in here I posted a video of some guys that are trying hard but it is a mess w/all the donations and no direction or leadership to coordinate.
Volunteers load the supplies. It’s set up like a big drive through. Doesn’t prevent them making multiple trips or going to multiple places, but the few people who are trying to take advantage have to answer to God, we can only give in good faith.
There are volunteers who make deliveries to folks who can’t get to the centers. The larger one in my area also pushes out needed supplies to the more outlying churches or FD for distribution.
I have DAR friend who lives in Erwin TN. I will phone her — I hope that connects — and see what she recommends.
Thank you. Prayers that you reach your friend and find her safe.
I have been contributing to Samaritan’s Purse and Cajun Navy. I have actually watched their efforts that were posted on video by others. 🙏🇺🇲❤️
Thank you so much!
Treepers are THE BEST.
So have I. I follow both on FB and they are getting the job done right.
Main thing is to keep the support going long term. I used to have a charity, there was a woman in Florida that sent me a five dollar check every single month for over two years. Always included was a sweet note of support. It was just the BEST!
They are the best organized ones in there along with the Cajun Navy.
I’m also retired and disabled, and my monthly donations are small. But many small donations can add up, and prayers can move mountains.
FYI. This is the place to go for immediate shipment of all types of surplus/used/refurbished grid power system components:
Belyea Power, Easton PA https://belyeapower.com/
Mobile substations, transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, switches, substations, turbines, generators
Inventory: https://belyeapower.com/inventory
Example: transformers 12 KVA to 1000 KVA, multiple voltages and configurations (Wye/Delta)
I can’t be the only one thinking that should be the FEMA director speaking. I’m surprised our stupid govt hasn’t outlawed volunteering and giving hope to keep Graham from making them look so incompetent.
They have done that already. That is why Rev. Graham did not directly criticize the government other than to say don’t depend on them to take care of you.
I have absolutely no desire to hear from FEMA director.
I saw a video clip of some FEMA wma taling to little Georgie yesterday and she was whining about how unsafe all of her employees felt because people they were supposedly helping seemed angry at them. Gee, I wonder why.
Don’t give them any ideas!
They are trying very hard to discourage any volunteers.
I remember going to NOLA after Katrina. Describing it as looking like a war zone is probably as close as I can come.
I’m praying for everyone affected by this engineered storm.
I believe all evil diktats come from WEF. They may originate in the dungeons of demon worshipping aristocracy, but WEF are the henchmen who organize the greedy puppets. And someone organized this storm, imo.
I can tell you from personal experience and exposure to Franklin Graham and his entire organization that there is no other organization in the world that even comes close to Samaritan’s Purse or anything Franklin is associated with.
Please donate to Samsitan’s Purse. If you notice, none of the media will not put Samaritans Purse link up as a donation site. They put the secular useless Red Cross site up. No Christian based organization links. I would not give the Red Cross or the Salvation Army the time of day.
Agree 100%. Not one penny to Red Cross or Sal Army.
Add the other one. UNITED WAY. They do nothing but line their own pockets…
It’s a shame, Salvation Army got corrupted wth leftists. It used to be a good organization.
I looked up their address. If people really want to contribute– they can do the same.
They won’t have to, though, since this site is providing such helpful information:)
My reply sounded snarky– even to myself. I apologize.
I have posted their address several times.
My point was that they can be found easily online.
And your point was well taken! My professional background gave me the skill, patience and tenacity to do the “research thing,” which I actually enjoy doing, but I tend to spin my wheels. A lot… But your continuing posts have provided readily accessible contact info to people who don’t get lost in the details like I do! And at this point, on Day 10, “readily accessible” matters. (The faster legitimate organizations receive donations, obviously the faster people can be helped…)
FEMA deliberately didn’t warn these areas because they are Trump strongholds and they were hoping for total devastation so they wouldn’t be able to vote….FEMA needs to be abolished, along with about 95% of the other fed govt agencies.
In NC, a lot of people were told it wasn’t going to be bad in their area and evacuation was not needed.
Where I live, the dam had failed, millions of gallons of water were suddenly released into an already 3-days-of-heavy-rain swollen river. People were witnessing it in real time!
And the news was saying all was good.
Now Newport TN is largely scraped from the map.
And those peopling the agencies criminally charged.
Just watched a FEMA video on how to apply for benefits. They require a PHOTO ID…
That is rich.
Don’t fall for the $750. With all money from FEMA there is a contract. Read the very fine print. This is NOT a gift. It is a loan and much be payed back in one year or they can confiscate your property. If that’s not criminal I don’t know what is.
Thank you, Sundance. Prayers and blessings to All. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I saw the post directly from TEMA – TN FEMA – that they don’t want volunteers and they don’t want supplies. I saw it on their account and now it says it’s been removed.
I did see it after l saw a post about it, and tracked it down. It was there, and now it’s not.
They must have caught hell for that.
This was the original post:
https://x.com/Baklava_USA/status/1841267055221428330
The internet is forever.
Except when it eats your photos.
Yes, I think they did. The video you posted below says it all!
“..They must have caught hell for that…”
Er, perhaps.. 😎😼
Somebody needs to catch hell for shipping the Tennessee National Guard to the Middle East the day after the storm leaving a skeleton crew.
Not that FEMA cares, but they are getting hammered with negative publicity. So many videos!
They can’t hide their lying eyes. Go, America! 🙏❤️🇺🇲
Glenn Beck had an epic run-in with FEMA.
No one can fix the level of sheer lack of will and and incompetence displayed by these bureaucrats.
It’s good that Glenn didn’t have a stroke. I did listen to the whole thing just in interest of bearing witness. I would not have been able to handle that situation as he (wisely) did.
I would have said things that would not have been good to say.
I would have been wanting to get Weed alongside with some of those shovels that we need from time to time.
I wish all our veteran congress critters were like Cory Mills. He does the talk and walk. I hope he goes for higher office.
if you are looking for a gospel driven charity to give to please consider The Liquid Legacy. We have been sending students on working mission trips and medical missions to Peru for years and to the Abacos after Micheal destroyed their islands. We bring water filtration systems along with education for locals to keep them going. Plus building sanitary bathrooms for many who prior to had holes in the ground or river water.
We are now heading to Appalachia bringing clean water systems and potable water system along with the love of Christ.
Please go to http://www.theliquidlegacy.org to learn more and if you can please donate.
We all have one if not all of the following gifts to share our time, our talent or our treasure.
God Bless.
That’s a great cause. Water is badly needed or there will be massive illness from all the decomposing matter, the sewage washed out of failed water treatment systems, as well as to combat deadly dehydration of still trapped individuals.
Thank you.
God Bless you for helping.
Somewhere in my web travels, maybe here, don’t know, there was a story about a guy that digs wells. He loaded up his truck, went to a needed area, dug a well so peole would have water. I am sure FEMA wouldn’t think to do that.
Thinking is above the FEMA paygrade.
I heard about that. That was in Erwin, I believe.
Americans coming together to help total strangers. It warms my heart. ❤️😁
Went to the web site to donate. Maybe I missed it, but could not find a place to specifically donate with regard to Helene, so I passed. No spare funds right now for Peru.
We don’t need the federal government or their incompetent agencies, to slog our way out of a disaster.
The federal government and bureaucrats just need our money.
It’s time for a divorce.
Exhibit A. The family checking account overdraft.
What Glenn Beck saw in NC:
Gotta watch this, peeps. In the process of sharing what he saw, Glenn Beck shares some great personal stories/contacts.
In terms of the timing of his videos, this one was recorded before the FEMA video/report upthread.
This was a great video:
I learned many lessons about the mistakes they made trying to get supplies into North Carolina.
The washed out roads are no joke.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/10/fema-abandons-devastated-nc-town-residents-nobodys-been/
Maybe Mayorkas is shopping for shoes and clothing for refugees at this high-end men’s clothing store.
A patron has said he’s been seen there TWICE in the last 2 weeks.
So he’s not smart enough to have a staff member pick up what he wants for himself, doesn’t know how much he is despised by normal Americans. Lack of competence, unAmerican, and stupid–all go together.
I doubt very much he’s giving anything to the illegal aliens. They are NOT refugees: they are thieves and criminals and grifters- a direct conclusion easily arrived at by what we know they have done and what we know they are doing.
I think there needs to be a good in depth study of how Virginian appalachia reacted/recovered from Camille in 1969. Yes, that’s 50 years ago (an eon), but it’s probably the closet thing to the current situation. 2 feet of rain also fell there in a day or two.
Also, an observation of the probable 500 year geographical change that happened in a weekend. Sleepy calm babbling brooks changed into river torrents. Taking away all soil and exposing/bringing boulders. There has been some thoughts, admittedly seeming outlandish but maybe possible given last week, that much of the Grand Canyon was created this way.
Many people have forgotten about Camille. Who knows, but back during that time I would not even give it a thought that there was a dark sinister action, it was simply Mother Nature doing her thing. If you drive through Nelson County you can still see where Camille changed the geography but only the old timers would know the difference.
FEMA is sitting on $73 BILLION in unspent funds from prior disasters.
https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2024/10/06/untapped_relief_fema_is_sitting_on_billions_of_unused_disaster_funds_1063217.html
The BEST on the ground report I’ve seen on the devastation in NC. It’s worse than anyone can imagine.
Stunning.
This one of his totally tore me up. I sent that woman a few dollars.
The Boone center was well staffed with volunteers Friday; the team lead for our group remarked he expected an inversion of need vs help in a week or two, and that tracks with my experience. Weather is turning cooler so that is an additional challenge, as is rescuer burnout.
Supplies and/or money are the best contribution other than labor the Samaritan’s Purse website is nicely organized and will walk you through your choices easily.
A common conversation among volunteers is devoid of political topics, and the people in that area are reflexive and reliable democrat voters. I doubt the disaster and failed policies of the administration will change that.
Very best to everyone for their assistance with Samaritan’s Purse, Cajon Navy, or any of the dozens of private charity groups.
And FJB and FKH and FTW
Good info and really like your closing. To the point.
First time in decades I won’t be going up to the parkway as a tradition w/a friend of mine for an annual fall foliage outing.
https://www.aol.com/scenic-blue-ridge-parkway-remains-175931569.html
One of my favorite places on earth. Our vacation place. I don’t know if I will live long enough to see the Blue Ridge Parkway where you can drive it again. Heartbreaking.
Really haven’t thought about that in those terms, it is heartbreaking. And here I was thinking I haven’t been affected by Helene other than the reports and having empathy for everyone. One post I saw on Parkway site said parts were closed til Oct.14th and then it changed to indefinitely, and then I saw some pics of the road. All of it is so sad, a life changing event for so many people on so many levels.
I was watching the people loading up the supplies today, their energy was intense. I pray all of their work and donations will make it to where it is needed. They say the are connected to church and are splitting things up. They will be taking some things to Damascus so I am glad about that.
I think the Skyline Drive is still open, haven’t seen any notifications, but it isn’t quite the same as the Blue Ridge. We are changing our plans to go to Greene and Madison County.
Dump trucks with gravel and fill and bulldozers should be lined up for miles. The main roads must be rebuilt. We are now 9 days in and nothing is happening other than trying to apply band aids.
Really looking forward to getting stiffed by this maladministration after Milton.
Hubby just saw repost on Facebook so we can’t verify it, but apparently FEMA and Red Cross are taking over distribution centers and are not taking any more donations because they have to do “inventory”. Anyone taking things out are recommended to take them directly to a church and to check ahead to see if donations are being accepted so you don’t waste your time and gas getting there only to be turned away.
It has to be a church or non profit like Samaritans Purse or Cajun Navy to avoid confiscation.
Please take time to read this.
Original post by John Kitsteiner
But why was this region (East TN / Western NC) hit so hard?
First, we had a lot of rain before Hurricane Helene even showed up. Depending on the area, we had 7-11 inches of rain in the week before the first storm clouds of the hurricane arrived. This rain saturated the ground and filled ponds and streams.
Then the hurricane arrived. She barreled her way up through the panhandle of Florida, quickly shot through Georgia, and then slowed down and stalled over North Carolina and East Tennessee. And that’s right where we live.
The reason she stalled involves atmospheric pressure conditions that I don’t fully understand, but the result was that this hurricane dropped 20 inches to over 30 inches of rain in some areas… that’s an estimated 40 trillion gallons of rain.
How much is 40 trillion gallons of water?
40 trillion gallons of water is enough to fill the Dallas Cowboy’s stadium 51,000 times.
40 trillion gallons of water is enough to cover the entire state of North Carolina with 3.5 FEET of water.
40 trillion gallons of water is enough to fill 60 MILLION Olympic-sized swimming pools.
40 trillion gallons of water is 619 DAYS of water flowing over Niagara Falls.
So this is an unprecedented amount of rain already falling on an area that had just received ground-saturated rain.
But it wasn’t just the amount of rain, it was the geography of where that rain fell.
The southeastern slopes (of western North Carolina) and the northwestern slopes (of East Tennessee) acted as funnels or rain catchments that directed all this water downhill and concentrated it into streams and rivers running into the valleys. It overflowed these streams and rivers causing massive flooding.
How much flooding?
The French Broad River usually crests at 1.5 feet… but it reached 24.6 feet during the storm.
The Nolichuckey River rose to almost 22 feet. The Nolichuckey River Dam in Greene County, during the peak of the flooding, took on 1.2 MILLION gallons of water per SECOND. Compare that to Niagara Falls which peaks at 700,000 gallons per second. Fortunately, this dam held… but barely, with damage.
Consequences.
The flooding, and all the things the flooding carried with it (large trees, vehicles, buildings, etc.) caused widespread damage. It destroyed homes and businesses. It destroyed roads and bridges. It knocked out power.
This isolated many places for days and days from normal rescue efforts and evacuation plans.
Here in Greene County, the flooding destroyed the intake pump for the county’s primary water supply. We hope they will be able to bring in a temporary pump to bypass the damaged system, but that still may take a couple weeks. In the meantime, most people in the county have no clean water for drinking, washing hands, or bathing, and no water for sanitation.
I have taken care of people in the emergency department who had their homes literally washed away. Everything they own, other than the clothes on their back, has been lost. Many friends have had their homes almost destroyed by flooding and their houses are filled with mud and debris.
And this is just in my immediate area. Other places around us have unfortunately been hit harder.
Why weren’t people prepared?
No one in the mountains of North Carolina or East Tennessee prepares for a hurricane.
It’s kind of like asking why someone in Iowa doesn’t prepare for a tidal wave or why someone in Florida doesn’t prepare for a blizzard. It’s not what happens, like ever.
This was a combination of already rain-saturated ground before the hurricane hit, the hurricane/storm stalling over this region dumping unprecedented amounts of rainfall in a small area, and the geography of mountains channeling and concentrating all this water into the valleys below that created a perfect storm, so to speak, of conditions that caused this disaster.
It couldn’t have been prevented or prepared for.
Please feel free to share this. Hopefully it answers some questions and provides a better understanding of what has happened and why it is so devastating.
Get us the IV fluids
On the FEMA website. … $325,000,000.00 million dollars for MIGRANTS, already for 2024, not including 2021,2022,2023.
April 12, 2024, No money left for Americans.
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through FEMA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced $300 million in grants through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which was authorized by Congress to support communities that are providing services to migrants. Two hundred seventy-five million dollars will be distributed in the first allocation, and the remaining $25 million will be allocated later in the year to accommodate evolving operational requirements.
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240412/department-homeland-security-announces-300-million-direct-funding
Still irritated that Jesse Watters told people to give money to the Red Cross. Why do people still watch FOX, or any cable news?
On the humorous side: Saw a posting from Facebook, bragging they ‘snuck ‘ a pallet of chainsaws in under FEMA’S nose..🤓
He should be called out for that. I’m not a social media whiz but maybe someone will clue him?
On the FEMA website. … $325,000,000.00 million dollars for MIGRANTS, already for 2024, not including 2021,2022,2023. …. NO MONEY LEFT FOR AMERICANS. April 12, 2024 WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through FEMA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced $300 million in grants through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which was authorized by Congress to support communities that are providing services to migrants. Two hundred seventy-five million dollars will be distributed in the first allocation, and the remaining $25 million will be allocated later in the year to accommodate evolving operational requirements.
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240412/department-homeland-security-announces-300-million-direct-funding
I’m one who has great awareness of the left’s abilities to turn elections, using every possible sleight of hand.
So reading these comments about the apathy/incompetence/disorganization/procrastination etc. regarding the actions – actually, inactions – of FEMA it’s completely implausible that it is happenstance and not deliberate. If the number one priority was to save people they would be saving people.
So saving people is not their priority. At least, not Americans.
Today a woman blasted a liberal over FEMA, he doesn’t believe they are not doing their job. Anyway, after a wonderful take down, all the people were riled up. Mostly making commentary at how the volunteers are not asking people if they are a democrat or Republican before giving them assistance. We all took note that in the next parking lot there are numeous stores where any number of items could be purchased. Did he go buy anything and come back? NO.
Oct 03, 2024 Newsweek
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Wednesday that there is not enough money available for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to meet the needs of the communities affected by Hurricane Helene, which has killed more than 160 people.
https://www.newsweek.com/fema-migrant-funding-hurricane-disaster-relief-1963336
FEMA Tapped Out for Hurricane Recovery as $1 Billion Dollars Spent on Migrants
Published Oct 03, 2024 at 2:57 PM EDT
Day 12 for NC & TN.
Just spent a while texting a friend in eastern TN. He said the efforts of the Red Cross and United way have been negligible at best. Mercury One and Samaritans purse are best. National Guard also has stepped up. FEMA allegedly took supplies and donated money and disappeared. People need meds and water purification because of destroyed water systems including city, wells and springs.
These people could use Sundance, or a Marge in Charge. God Bless them, but it sounds like they are in a clusterfrick. They are doing what in theory FEMA is supposed to do but never does.
It also shows my concern about how donations are being utilized and managed. No judging or faulting them, just wishing nothing would go to waste and that things could be triaged properly. People w/out babies don’t need an air drop of diapers.
Do walkie talkies still exist?
I have tons of things here I don’t need. I have been meaning to have a yard sale for years now. But I am too far away and too old to drive down there.
These people need everything, not just food and water.
Maybe if someone else from northern NYS is planning a trip down there to help these people? I can help.
It is just a thought; I am sure there are lots of other people like me with too much Stuff and would gladly give it away to help them.
Kennedy, Jocko and Pratt
Well gang, the cavalry has finally arrived. Army Airborne is arriving as I type. Many Chinooks flying in all day and night. They are setting up a base by me at Windy gap young life camp in Weaverville. They are handling logistics in Yancey and Madison County. This is firsthand info. I live 2 miles from the camp.
Keep us informed. Real news is hard to come by.
Will do. I’m poking around hard on timeline for Asheville water supply. It’s very interesting they were giving dates on expected completion for the line which was 4-6 week on Wed. Biden arrives and the super lib mayor take a ride in a helicopter. Now, they won’t give any timeline. My suspicions are they don’t want Asheville residents leaving because they vote hard blue in Asheville. If the red vote in all the outlying counties is compromised it would be a big dem win but if all the libs take off because they don’t have water, it’s basically null. I’m sure they’ve gamed this out. She doesn’t win unless she gets NC. I by no means know the big players but I have friends who know these people and they are being very tight lipped now. It’s really weird and it shifted after her flight with Biden.
I read the drumming circle is back up and drumming in Asheville. So at least the drums are working. I shouldn’t snark I am sure that is comfort to some people. Speaking of drums I haven’t seen any of the Cherokee on camera. It makes me sad. Unto These Hills was powerful.
A friend of mine just texted some good info on the Asheville water. Conference call at Van Winkle with Esther. 5 weeks on Asheville water. My guess is could be a week or 2 after knowing how construction goes. My guess is no later than Thanksgiving
NHnative, or RF Burns, StephGray if you in the house tonight or, any other recognizable Eastern New England Treeper, I can set aside a few days from my business next week from Monday-Thursday to make a run to Asheville or comparable point in Eastern Tennessee to deliver donations. Am pretty sure I can fill up my pick up with needed items (coats, blankets, hats, boots….etc) over this week-weekend and be ready to depart Monday morning.
In short, I would like one other person to share the drive/travels with me, primarily from a safety standpoint and perhaps sharing gas expense.
Anyone have the time flexibility for this?
If so, I am happy to share my contact information.
Thank you
GRM
P.S. Will contact Samaritan’s Purse to ask where they would want ‘deployment’ if I can find a partner in the Treehouse.
Supplies are getting stacked up here. It’s a wonderful thing. Try to go thru the local churches for info. There are some outside orgs here that are glad to take your supplies and warehouse them somewhere. Just happened to a buddy of mine who is local. He took his supplies to a small church up in Barnardsville. I like Brookstone church, Grace Point church.
Be available in the next week or two; the common track is for enthusiasm to wane just as needs increase post disaster. The website will walk you through the process.
Sorry I did not see this until afternoon on Monday. I hope you found someone to help drive (I couldn’t have anyway) and your mission is very successful!
Still looking, steph_gray: I would ask my fiance though she has a shorter time window than me (has to work Thursday morning).
Assisted living care facilities are really needing some help down here. Bella Vista off of Tunnel Road in Asheville in particular. Depends, wipes, etc. I think they are being overlooked.
For those wondering why people did not evacuate… There was no time. High elevations are considered “safe” from flooding…til they aren’t.
Nearly 30” of rain, coupled with landslides, roads and bridges washed out, dams breached and at risk of failing. There was no time and no way to get out for some of these people.
My own area was performing air lifts and swift water rescues before the rivers crested at 20+ FEET ABOVE flood levels.
We have an amazing local EMA director and our county government has been outstanding. The local government is so much more important than most people realize.
I’m posting a link to a very good overview of what happened to this area of TN, it’s a long read but very informative. And keep in mind, WNC got the flooding first.
This entire region is like something out of a warzone…bridges gone or damaged, railroad beds washed out and undermined, leaving the tracks suspended in the air, homes flooded or gone.
Continue to pray for the people of ETN, WNC, SWVA. It’s going to be a long recovery.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/HzxKCQ45dFmPVCTA/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Interesting. Fox News is shilling for the American Red Cross while interviewing Franklin Graham.
More than interesting. Disgusting and completely predictable.
Faux is toast. I hope Jesse Waters and Greg Gutfeld get out soon before the ship deservedly sinks.
The least I could do is make myself useful, and it looks like Samaritan’s Purse is looking to deploy folks in Boone, NC. I can fly Boston to Hickory direct, then about a 60 mile drive north. Mrs. Piddles seriously needs the break anyway… trust me on that one…
Be ready to travel to outlying areas for labor; local to Boone the needs are mostly tree removal and clean-up with volunteers of young people on their first relief trip. The Boones center is well staffed and enthusiastic, parking is limited so arrive early for the 7:30 orientation.
That’s consistent with what’s posted on the SP website… e.g.,
https://www.spvolunteer.org/project-response/743
“Volunteers will assist homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene and will help in Jesus’ Name with tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping, and mud outs.”
There are a few of those posts there, and I only zeroed in on that particular one because I saw that Boone is a straight shot from Hickory, and Hickory is a straight shot from Logan… so it’d be very quick to get down there on very short notice.
I’d be staying there for upwards of a week, and it looks like lodging is provided… just bring whatever you find is comfortable enough to sleep on the floor… and a toothbrush, if that’s your thing. I assume I would just be parking the rental and be on-site for the duration, with some sort of daily carpools to the outer work sites.
My immediate concern is a nagging foot injury dating back a couple months… perhaps ironically from jumping off the back of a truck. I’m functional, but first I have to tape it up and make sure it holds up for 8-10 hours of constant movement. Without any tape, etc., there’s a bit of limping here and there throughout the day, but that’s simply due to a total lack of support, no regular stretching, and a stubborn refusal to just rest the thing. So I’m pretty confident a proper wrapping and some good boots is really all that’s needed… I certainly wouldn’t put myself in a situation where I’m a hinderance/burden rather than a help. Worst case, if for some reason I can’t do any serious hiking/climbing/jumping/etc., I can load and unload supplies, wherever necessary.
n Updated List to Volunteer for tomorrow 10/7 Any Help Is Appreciated. Read carefully as several locations are listed.