UPDATE: We will continue bumping this thread to keep the communication lines available.
...”I live in the Western part of the US; reading these comments is like listening in on a (telephone) party line. This is the first I’ve heard firsthand live reports from the people directly affected. For the first time there is no canned, approved spoon fed mis-information delivered by the faceless and unaffected paid to be there.”….
Which is exactly the reason we keep this thread going!
As the areas in Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina and the Western gulf coast of Florida continue recovery operations from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our thoughts are with those who are still impacted and dealing with the long-term recovery process.
If you have stability and the ability to communicate, we are wondering how you guys are doing.
Can we get a Standing Ovation for our hardworking Linemen? pic.twitter.com/jyP2hmbqub
— Still🏝️Roaming (@roaming_rn) October 17, 2024
Working with several ground groups, we have sent toolboxes and resources into the area for the arduous tasks that remain. There are many who feel overwhelmed; just know our thoughts and deepest prayers remain with you. It will get a little better every day.
Resourceful teams (mostly electrical restoration experts) who learned quickly after they helped the Puerto Rico Mountain areas in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria are doing amazing work reaching some of the more isolated areas. These are good friends with a git-r-done approach.
Eastern Tennessee power has mostly returned; however, approximately 23,500 of the 1.5 million customers that lost power, just in the Western North Carolina area still lack electricity as of today, according to Poweroutage.us. Additionally, there are still about 365,000 Floridians without power.
The power restoration in the dense mountain forests of WNC is slow going, some roads and bridges are completely washed away. According to the Associated Press report, “The crews aren’t doing what they typically do, which is a repair effort. They’re rebuilding from the ground up,” said Kristie Aldridge, vice president of communications at North Carolina Electric Cooperatives {link}.
There are widespread rumors and disparate reports of the overall death toll, at last count was well over 200. Anecdotal reports from people in the WNC region put the death toll much higher but are difficult to confirm. We do not want to spread rumors, yet we simultaneously accept this close to the election there is an unfortunate incentive for both federal and state emergency management officials to keep the death toll numbers hidden.
The bottom line is a concern for everyone in the impact areas. Therefore, ground reports are the most valuable. How are y’all doing?
Dear God of grace and strength, in the midst of uncertainty, fear and change we turn to You for stability and strength. Please grant us the wisdom and fortitude to navigate the unknown, the courage to face challenges, and the faith to trust Your divine plan.
Heavenly Father, let Your unwavering presence be our anchor in the aftermath of these storms. Grant us the resilience to face the challenges of recovery with grace and hearts filled with purpose. May we continue to find, patience, stability and fellowship in Your eternal love.
Thank You for guiding us through these uncertain times. In Jesus blessed and loving name we pray. ~ Amen.
Cleaning up the mess in Englewood, FL. Ready to cancel my “Hurricane of the Weel” subscription…!!!
week
I’ve been helping out with Samaritan’s Purse here in Port Charlotte. while we do have a good number of volunteers, we can use more. If u r local to FLA, please consider ! Today we had 6 Texans and 1 Louisianan, so not all local! While the extent of the the damage is not as *bad* (as TN/NC), many folks have had bad damage to their homes —- here in FLA, that means water rose and soaked drywall…..which needs to be removed….. and 6 days later — trust me — the mold has already blossomed (ewww). and roof need repairs too.
If there is info to volunteer please post it. I have been cleaning up friends places and I will finish soon. I did Red Cross damage drive by assessment after Charley in PC.
People in the inner areas have lost everything…there are no walls or even sticks left. Plus the number of dead along the river banks and in trees is alarming. The smell of death is overwhelming. I know FL was badly hit…however, your residents are easier to reach, and the dead are accounted for, and communities are not isolated.
If I were able to physically volunteer, I would go to the inner areas. I am sorry for the destruction of these storms and mourn the lost of life. I do understand the need for help, and support…I live in tornado country and suffered a tornado in May.
Blessings to all of you. We must pray we don’t neglect anyone, but pray for everyone, and be thankful for what is provided, for it all comes from God and people of good will…not the govt.
God bless you volunteers.
You are true angels! 😇 ❤️
I donate $, but you are all doing the heavy lifting,! 💪
God bless you! 🙏😇
Same here. I’m an old, sick woman so my contributions are limited to prayers and money donated.
Snow moving into the mountains of East Tennessee and likely WNC.
Confirmed it has reached into areas in WNC…
Painful. It is mid-October. I know the mountains are different, but jeez. These folks need to catch a break.
Amen!
Kelly’s one that’s helping our York SC Sheriff.
ugh.
I’m not surprised tho, because it’s gotten “cold” (50’s/60’s) today in NE FL.
I really hope that enough blankets, coats, hats etc were donated for this eventuality.
Hope many of them have functioning wood stoves and dry-ish wood to burn. Or kerosene heaters…..*something*.
What a nightmare.
Either that, or they need to be housed up at hotels or something.
Pronto.
The lucky ones have tents – some haven’t been reached yet and have nothing at all.
That’s all they need. I sure hope people are sheltered somehow. I am sending one set up of an indoor/outdoor propane heater, along with the tank, to a friend who is in GA to bring it to someone who needs it. Apparently the church who is co-ordinating it sad they have enough clothing but not enough help to sort it. They were asking for heaters. Hopefully, I will get some others in my circle to do the same.
You should leave the contact info here, Anna, so people can donate.
Harris/Biden/Mayorkas Triangle of Fascism exposed again, having spent only 2% of the money Congress already allocated – even though the prevaricating SOBs said they needed emergency funding to meet the needs of Americans (actually it would be for illegal invaders)…
I’m pissed off just reading this.
Johnson gave up any power he had to change the direction of His country long ago.
Harris/Biden/Mayorkas Triangle of Death. FIFY.
on the Ground with the President of Black Mountain Children’s home that went viral on FB.
The real story about needs and safety of the children and staff.
As President of the home Jimmy Harmon describes the Terrifying event that changed his and 100 children’s life at Black Mountain NC.
#VeteransForTtump
Children’s home hooked up.
Bash me now, but I misunderstood from the first video of this place. I thought the buildings were where the kids lived, not that it was a retreat center. Glad the student guests made it out safely.
If the kids are safe not sure rebuilding the “retreat center” is a priority, but I am not there. I am sure I am missing something here.
I know it is important to them, and heart breaking to see it destroyed, not saying that, winter is coming. Spend it planning, designing, finding resources, and lining up the work for spring if the kids all have a safe place to live. Maybe I am upset I spent energy on worrying about those kids being displaced and now I learn they aren’t. I need to learn to not get so attached to every story. Hopefully the retreat center can be used to hold actual retreats for people that have been traumatized from the storm. A good retreat can be healing if done right.
Been saying for a while now, bring in the Seabees. All that rock needs to be recycled into something useful. If it weren’t me being resentful of them I would say put the illegals to work up there picking up rocks, but I don’t want them there. I don’t want them anywhere in my country.
Going from memory – they had said the buildings were where the staff stayed. Could be wrong – it’s been a long week.
In the updated video he said they had some college students staying there as guests, they moved them across the way to another building and that is what saved them.
Calls for UTVs continue to go out.
Too bad so much of our military equipment was left in Afghanistan. Some of that would have come in handy.
I suppose there are *no* Army/Marine helicopters/Ospreys ANYWHERE in CONUS?
This has gone way past incompetence straight into crimes against humanity.
82nd and 101st are there.
A man who moved to WNC from California discusses useless FEMA and the help he received from the wonderful people of Appalachia.
in the video above, the guy says “These Appalachian mountain people are independent and proud and used to take care of their own. It’s hard for them to ask (outsiders) for help. It’s humiliating.”
These are my neighbors. They don’t trust government help. Rightly so.
Resources that would otherwise be available to the stricken Appalachia areas that were given to the fascist government in Ukraine.
There are SOME Tennessee police that appear to have been paid off to restrict the flow of relief supplies…
Warning – Salty.
Good people, regular Americans, getting pushed to the max.
OFF TOPIC
Good early morning, Harrison. I came across this the other day and thought it might interest you.
1928 !!! Almost a century ago!
Watch “The first ever film of Appalachian music (1928) | “Doggett Gap” – Bascom Lamar Lunsford [RESTORED]” on YouTube
Thank you ma’am, but it said I had to sign in to view it and I’m not signing into anything related to Gulag for any reason.
Also an Englewood, FL resident. We made out fine, little damage from Helene or Ian. Our neighbors down the street are a different story. You can see how far the water rose by the wrack line/canyon of household goods at the curb. Uphill from that it’s just tree limbs and bags of leaves.
People are generally positive. Cleanup is happening rapidly and the result appears to be much better than the aftermath of Ian.
Power and water were restored in just a few days. I think FPL’s restoration numbers were impressive. Watched transformers popping during the storm in numbers I’ve never seen before.
The last piece unresolved for us is the EWD sewer system: the lift pumps are inoperative. We’re supposed to use our sewers, “sparingly.” We’re waiting for the lave to erupt from the porcelain volcanos in our bathrooms.
I think the frequent strong storms have culled most of the weak trees, weak homes and unprepared people.
Pray for those whose homes were flooded, they can use all the help they can get.
Found in the bin… 🙁
Where I am in South Venice we did not have debris lines in the ditches, many of which unusually had standing water before Milton.
I drove through Old Englewood Rd and saw FEMA there near
Dearborn. Dunno if that is like sighting Bigfoot.
That intersection {Old Englewood and Dearborn} and everything else along
the Eastern shore of Lemon Bay got whacked thoroughly by wind and surge as the winds switched.
If FEMA was there, they were probably more interested in the damage to the funeral home than the Corner store.
I know that’s cold…
Cold anger.
Trust God. Fear not.
“We’re waiting for the lave to erupt from the porcelain volcanos in our bathrooms.”
I hope it does not, but lol on your description!
A little different take on things.
South Venice here. I lost just some tabs on my built up roof. Incredibly dry winds caused wind burns to some plantings while others were untouched. Got power back Monday morning.
There’s many families in the Black Mtn area, which is gone, living in tents. Many here in York SC headed up by our new Sheriff elect have been helping those families. Tents, camp stoves, propane and even trucks with campers they finally got. Water, food, propane heaters, warm clothes etc. still more help coming. Will take years.
I live in extremely western N.C., and we are having our first taste of winter today. Flurries. It is moving slowly better as most of the power in our section is restored, exempting areas of Asheville which has pockets that aren’t. It will be a slow process around here due to the road and bridge construction, along with the narrow roads and slides that have occurred. But we will get it done eventually.
My first post since the storm; Sorry its so long, but I don’t know if I’ll have lots of time for this or none. Figured I better get it done while I knew I had time.
Am in the upper Nolichucky River area (is said the Cherokee once called it the River of Death..). The North Toe, South Toe, and Cane Rivers form it from here.
My family was VERY lucky. We lost a life long investment (a business) and had two homes flooded but repairable. Personally, my roof damage will likely finish off my home, but I’m able to stay in it at present.
My nuclear family gathered at my parents home and managed to get a generator from about 150 miles away on the 4th day I think it was, as soon as a single road out opened up to get out of the mountains. Due to the freezers being full, in deep freeze temps, and not opening them up until we got a generator, we had plenty of food and 2 large reservoirs of water there.
All my family now has water, most have power, and FINALLY, we all have cell service and so internet. My daughter and son are still without power as are several of my non-nuclear family.
Overall, we consider ourselves blessed.
We were not prepared for something of this magnitude so it took me until about 6 days in to feel all my family could do ok without me before I felt able to try to do anything for the community.
I managed to get invited to the “regional” Crisis Meeting for the leaders of all the teams, which was only about 1/2 of the smallest county of the area due to lack of communications and roads out. For the record, we were told at the time of that meeting that 6 people had been positively identified deceased, 4 were children. MANY more were sent to Charlotte to be identified and would NOT be counted among the deceased until identified. The hospital and local funeral homes ran out of room early on and they now sent all bodies to Charlotte until identified and then they would be shipped back here. At that time about 700 from the area were believed to be missing.
[In a few days, off the record, I was told the number was now well over 1000 missing and it would be a long time before a good estimate of the death toll was known, in part because of the terrible condition of most of the bodies they were finding now and in part because of the nature of a flood burying and washing away bodies, many would never be accounted for.]
I met the officer over the National Guard for our area (he got me into the meeting) and he was 100% who was needed. He only gave orders to his own men and repeatedly told everyone he was here to help, just give him your requests and needs and he would do everything he could ASAP. And from what I saw, he/they did. So far, the Guard here for THIS EMERGENCY (unlike in the flood about 20 years ago) IS NOT bullying or threatening in ANY way that I’ve seen.
Ultimately, I was assigned to work directly under the Director of the county wide Crisis Management Center. The next day I went to try to gain access to an area of approx. 2000 residents that last word was completely blocked from outside contact and no one knew anything else about their condition. Luckily, when I got there, their access had been opened up enough that a one lane road would pass car and light truck traffic, just not larger vehicles for supplies or for emergencies like fire.
We spent the rest of the day mostly tracing out other areas that might have no access, some wellness checks, and cleared up a couple of possible missing persons (they had left the state before the storm). So I felt like I had accomplished nothing but the Crisis Center was very pleased to have cleared up a lot of question marks, especially since we (had 4 volunteers drive up from Lenoir NC) had driven over a lot of 2 counties and I gave them clear recent reports on what road conditions were and what state road repairs were currently in.
Over the next day and a half, I tried to do much of the same thing but finally gave up from all the tourists… I mean volunteers clogging all the roads up. I started hearing the first worries about suspicious persons being possible looters… and EVERY report I heard was reported to be outsiders. I STILL have not heard a single report of a possible looter that anyone even suspected of being local.
For the 1st 5 days we were left completely alone, no one to help except locals. Then the flood of water was replaced by the flood of volunteers and supplies. With the county being unprepared for something this huge, they ran out of places to keep the supplies and started to turn away supplies. I had a family member take some supplies to distribute to keep someone from Georgia having to drive them back home.
Then the “professional” volunteer organizations moved in… about the same time the 2nd storm hit Florida. So large numbers of the volunteers left. I dunno if it was to help in Florida (I hope so) or because the organizations ran them off.
Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate anyone trying to help, but large organizations have to be “by the book” and they’re really territorial. They don’t like “freelancers” moving in on their turf and only want to work with other organizations or government. Its in their interests to make everyone else look like buffoons and to blow up some things (like the threat of looting or making “armed militias” outta a single pissed off guy making a smartass joke), downplay others value, and make people more dependent on them. (I hear they are complaining because people who have unbelievable amounts of necessary work to get done want to take more than one days worth of water supply or toilet paper).
As I said, I’m glad they’re here, but a lot of us will work around them, not with them except as absolutely required, because they’ve made it clear it’s their way or no way.
First impression of FEMA is they’re useless as teats on a boar hog. Talking around, I’ve heard about maybe 25 people who have applied for the famous $750. I hear 2 have gotten it. two have been promised it, and two more “think” they’ll get it. The rest don’t qualify somehow. As I understand it, and I could be wrong, if u have flood insurance for your business, they’ll probably give you a good terms LOAN to put you in deeper debt than ever before. Or if your business is totally washed away or gets condemned and you had insurance, you might get a grant to cover the rest. Or you might not. As for home owners, I hear they’re worse off. Living high on a small mountain, I didn’t have flood insurance. I had already let some repairs go . So altogether, I believe I’ll end up losing my paid off home and won’t qualify for FEMA assistance.
But its ok. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. It’s all for a reason. I’ll get through it and be better off in some way in the end. God never forgets His faithful. It’ll work out. Don’t worry about me. God has my back.
As for real needs in the upper Nolichucky area, winter is upon us. The clothing I’ve seen (limited viewing at best) looks like stuff the charity places send overseas to mostly make rags out of. We CAN cloth the people up here with that and survive, but some better quality clothing would be greatly appreciated.
Kerosene and propane heaters would really help. Wood stoves/heaters would be fantastic, but I realize that’s more money than most can contribute.
Good heavy blankets would be wonderful. What I’ve seen so far is thinner cheaper ones. People can get by with using several of those but the thicker better ones would be really appreciated I’m sure.
Bottles or tanks of propane are really needed. Lots of people are cooking on propane stoves and using lanterns at night.
Flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns aren’t as desperately needed now, but some of those would still help some people. Candles would be nice for some people. I know I personally used up almost my whole supply of emergency candles and I’ve had power back for days. I would guess around 30-40% of this area doesn’t have power and maybe 15-25% probably won’t have any for weeks or possibly months yet.
If you do want to send water, gallon jugs are in very short supply from what I’ve seen. Individual sized bottles seem to be plentiful now.
I strongly urge you to send anything you might feel like donating to local churches if you want to insure locals get it. Just Google up any Western NC county you would like to help and add in churches and you’ll get a long list. Call them up and they’ll tell you what they have enough of, what they have a big need for, and tell you some church or area they could use donations if they don’t need stuff at the time. I’ve seen UPS trucks running now so you can have Amazon or Ebay deliver it straight to where its needed and know you helped who needed it, not the bottom line of some big organization.
Thank you for your prayers.
God bless you old EZ! I have a box of good down coats and fleece items ready to mail–if you give me an address I will mail to you today. Prayers to you!
I’ve got to take off and go again. Won’t get home until late tonight. My truck blew up the day the rain ended and am having to try to go purchase something to drive. Am driving a borrowed one now and they’re needing it back. When it rains it pours they say and this time that went both ways.
Tomorrow I’ll try to find you an address to mail those to where I know they’ll be put to good use. Probably be someone at Roan Mountain church…
God is blessing me ! Thank you ! God bless you Sinkingship!
I’m not POSITIVE I’m right about this… but from my sources… the big organizations aren’t the most effective at getting logical help straight out to those who need it most. The churches who are staying independent from them seem best.
Here’s one I can vouch for. I know the pastor well and a lot of the people doing the work. They’re all good people serving mostly the Cane Creek community, which wasn’t hit hard with casualties, but the roads and powerlines are destroyed there. Still lots of folks having to walk out through now cold creeks from all the driveway bridges washed out. The main road is a challege. It pretty well requires a 4wd to get in and out so lots of people are having a hard time with no transpotation, power, or water. I’ve personally seen it. It was one of the areas I checked.
When I was checking out the conditions, the church had a 200-300 people there giving and receiving supplies.
https://roanmountainbaptist.com/
They are the closest to the western end of the county where the help is probably needed most. I don’t know of a place to sent people to donate for the far western county where it was hit the hardest, but the people at Roan Mountain church should be able to give you someone to contact for there I would think.
Bear Creek church is doing an excellent job of helping the community in the central section of Mitchell county, but that area was probably the least in need now. I don’t know if they have extended their outreach to the hardest hit areas yet or not, but I’m sure someone at the phone could tell you.
https://www.bearcreekbaptist.com/
If you want to go with a bigger outfit, First Baptist church in Spruce Pine moving the most supplies I hear, but… I think everything is being overseen by a larger group, Baptists on Mission I think. Wouldn’t hurt to call the church and ask and I’m sure they’re still taking supplies and even have a list up for what they currently are wanting the most. I think they are doing a really good job… for a big organization. But I believe almost for sure that if you can volunteer labor or building supplies or larger sums of money to rebuild homes and buy building materials, these people AND The Samaritan’s Purse are the people to contact. Here’s the page for the First Baptist church;
https://www.sprucepinefbc.com/
Here’s Samaritans Purse. I believe they have a place for money and volunteers as soon as you open their page. I’m not sure where stuff will go if you send money…, but I hear they are for sure doing a good job with hands on in the field volunteer work. I can’t confirm that, but its what I hear.
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/
If I get better info, I’ll post it up.
I’ve been to the other two counties in the upper Nolichucky area, but I don’t really know who to send donations to. The most northern was likely the least hit area, but I’m sure they still need things.
This is a very economically depressed area. If they would count people here just but economics, WNC would be by far the largest ghetto in the US, but since it is almost all one… demographic that votes conservative, and has EXTREMELY low crime rates, we don’t get the economic help other areas do.
(seriously, we have like one murder every 6-8 years here usually, and its normally not premeditated. I only started locking my door when I leave because the mailman got kinda wacky and started leaving my mail on the couch… inside)
What I’m saying is people here are some of the poorest in the US and this hurts here more than it would most places, especially with winter almost here.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to post this info. I will make good use of it –praying for the good good people there.
Thank you Old EZ. Yes: send supplies through their local churches.
When I called for help in locating my son (“a wellness check”),
they asked if we own the property and was it insured.
It seemed odd but now I know why (bureaucracy first vs critical emergency)
To be clear, “they” are big organized agencies that I called for help.
The local churches in the region you want to help are trustful
Could not agree more…we received IMMEDIATE help from Erwin churches…my wife is STILL awaiting a response from Red Cross, who are driving around in very fancy cars and trucks emblazoned with the ‘American Red Cross’ logo…if you contribute to them, you are making the payments on their vehicles. Give ONLY to local churches or Samaritan’s Purse…Red Cross, Goodwill, and United Way ae ALL ‘no go’.
God Bless.
A long post but worth it! Thanks for taking the time.
Regarding the glut of supplies, my worry would be that turning them away without an alternative staging area to take them too might give people the impression they’re not needed. They certainly will be needed but over a period of many months. I pray people don’t think the effort is over after only a few weeks.
Just got back.
I agree 100%, but I’m not in charge.
After talking to my family tonight, as I understand it, a couple of the bigger organizations have said that when they think the need has abated, they will take the supplies and warehouse them. Seriously, there are a few areas that most people think will be without transportation, power, and water for many weeks. No one knows what they will base that judgement upon.
I will try to find more trustworthy churches to donate to and post that when I can. I hope that will be tomorrow, but I have so much going on, it may be the day after that.
Will be watching for your updates. I can do more to help.
Sorry for another long post. (I’ve GOT to do better…)
I just got back from Bakersville NC. I can verify, Roan Mountain (the mountain the church I mentioned elsewhere is named after) has the top 8-10% covered in snow. It didn’t lay elsewhere that I could see, but it also snowed at much lower elevations last night. Its winter now.
A friend of mine went to the lower western part of the county yesterday and installed a couple of wall mounted propane heaters that don’t require electrical hook up. He said for sure there a still a lot of people with no heat source down there. He said it was a 4wd adventure getting in and out… and he didn’t go all the way in.
As I said below somewhere, I will try to find more smaller local trustworthy places to donate to… tomorrow or the next day. I have a LOT to do tomorrow.
If you have a friend or family member that you haven’t heard from and are worried about, post either your email address or a brief description with a name and address and I’ll move that wellness check to the top of the list of things to get done… but I have to fix my own transportation issues first. I think I can get that done… enough, tomorrow sometime. But I can check on people in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancy counties and also northern McDowell county.
If you can’t find anyone else to get it done, I would TRY to do a wellness check in Caldwell, north Burke,and western McDowell. Its possible I could do a check in Madison county too. its pretty far and I don’t know my way around there very well, but if you need a wellness check there, I’ll do my best to squeeze it in also.
Just remember my transportation is down and I can’t do any of that until I’m back up and running. That has to be tomorrows priority.
Someone below said the numbers are wrong. They are.
This is not yet the time and space for a good discussion as to why, but remember they speak with a forked tongue.For example in the one big wig meeting I was allowed into, they said the official death count (then) was like 6, but was for sure going to rise. They said only officially identified bodies would be counted and MANY (they emphasized it) bodies were flown to Charlotte because they didn’t have the facilities in the Tri-counties for storage and identification for that many bodies.
They asked everyone to tell people to please notify them and not just bury the body. Said they already had a case where a family did that and nobody, especially family wanted to dig them back up. When asked if that death was counted, they said not yet since it hadn’t been officially identified. When asked if that death WOULD be counted, the answer was “I don’t know”. When asked if it was likely to be counted, the answer was “there’s a good chance it will not, but that’s something people other than me will decide”. When asked if we would ever have a really good count with so many bodies washed away and so would never be officially identified, the answer was ” Probably not.”
So just remember the government is involved and the government’s native tongue is spoken only with forked tongue.
So is the real count 3 bodies higher or 874 higher ? I don’t know. I just know that it is higher than what we’re hearing now.
It’s always a blessing to hear of families who have survived in light of the losses. Thanks Ez.
There’s been a list kept of missing (and found) – at least those that have been reported by others. It’s a mixed blessing. This particular list of reported missing still has 770 on it.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Pp41yMpPeMvZShN11xXAZdB3-6wu_cZyAB-QxgUoeEw/edit?gid=1030211139#gid=1030211139
May God keep and bless you and yours and all those effected.
I live in the Western part of the US; reading these comments is like listening in on a (telephone) party line. This is the first I’ve heard first hand live reports from the people directly affected. For the first time there is no canned, approved spoon fed mis-information delivered by the faceless and unaffected paid to be there.
Does anyone else notice the absence, in the comments by the Locals, of mention of just what the-paid-to-help have done?
Thank you to all who took the time and trudged the distance to bring us the true story. You are who we hoped you would be; valuing one another, serving one another. The stories in the comments remind me of keeping marriage vows; “in sickness and in health, until death do us part”.
Please keep posting when you can, let us know where it is safe to donate and what and we’ll figure out what you need us to pray for.
Comment from another blog:
“For those interested in donating more than just money to NC.
I follow a man on X (James Hughes@nailbender1974 ) who lives in Banner Elk, NC. I asked for a location for sending items for donation and he said the Best Western in Banner Elk is being used to not only house the survivors but for accepting and handing out donations of items needed.
I called and got a list.
Sleeping bags
Heaters
Dehumidifiers
Flashlights
Dog and cat food – wet or dry
Laundry Detergent
Body wash for babies and children
I’m sure it’s not all that’s needed but it’s a start
Address is : Best Western
1615 Tynecastle Hwy.
Banner Elk, NC 28604-9708“
And remember, you can order from Amazon & have supplies delivered.
I tried to donate to the Cajun Navy two weeks ago and the transaction was declined by Synchrony Bank the Master Card holder for Sam’s Club. I phoned them asking why and was asked for my name, address, phone numbers, CC account number, pin, mother’s maiden name, and every other thing she could. She then asked for a 180-degree video of my face to send to her. Since she had nothing to compare it with, realizing that this was intimidation, not identification I hung up.
I Put it on a different Master Card.
The damn Democrats are screwing up the entire American economic machine.
Yesterday I had two attempts to donate to candidates for national office flagged as fraud. And I used two different cards! Of course, both were GOP. Makes one suspicious
Synchrony put me through that BS a week and a half ago, without sending the customary e-mail. My daughter and I tried and tried, but they said the back of license squiggles were too fuzzy (the license HAS blurry squiggles and they will never be clear in a photo) and they denied the purchase. At 11 p.m. that night they sent the e-mail after I had already used another card. They never asked ANY security questions and I was out of state and not sitting at my home phone. My daughter was absolutely appalled that I had sent my photo to who know who. I told her I am old – I’m ready to die.
Oh, then a week later they sent an e-mail to me saying “we are here for you in the storm.” We needed a generator.
Amazed to see the pockets of tree damage-especially the oak trees. We found another large branch/limb in the backyard and think another of the trees died in the storm. I love the birds and coolness of the shade and would hate to cut it down. Pockets of streets remain without electricity. It doesn’t make sense. Drove across a busy road near the hospital with blinking red lights. Everyone stopped and was polite. Didn’t hear any generators near us. Office back humming and the phones are ringing…The losses are huge west and south of us. One of the fishing pier/restaurants is in pieces landing on the shoreline. Thankfully the Guy Harvey School is still standing. Fantastic program and staff!
Just want to add a caution from the Katrina experience. Don’t get suckered into taking an SBA loan, especially if you’re personally securing it or using your home as security or collateral. Loan amounts will be deducted from any grants you may qualify for now or in future. Their interest rates aren’t great either. I saw several people plead at city council meetings when FEMA/SBA foreclosed on their homes bc they defaulted on the loans. Heart rending! Don’t be that sad sack guy.
FedGov is NOT our friend.
This is a crusher. Definitely one place that needs pronto help. Where I live our SPCA will often take in the overflow of storm animals that have been misplaced in a disaster, but they only have so much room. Due to economy and the cost of veterinary bills people are not adopting as they once were. And for a while the SCPA raised their prices if you wanted to adopt, then they had to do little bargain sales to get adoptions back up.
Bless the Beasts and the Children.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/10/shelter-that-saves-thousands-animals-each-year-destroyed/
I hope President Trump will appoint a special task force to raise funds and awareness for the plight of so many of our animals in this country–especially since the economic devastation of the Biden Harris regime. We should be funding rescue orgs not Ukraine .
Amen !
I always say as long as God, kids, and dogs love me, it doesn’t really matter what the rest of the world thinks !
Nice to have happy tears for a change.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/watch-tennessee-crews-rescue-dog-222840554.html
A Kitty Cat found its way home after being swept down the river.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/cat-returns-north-carolina-family-170050698.html
Hip hip hurraY!!! 👍👍 👍
Cat returns to North Carolina family 8 days after floating away in Helene flooding: ‘Used all his 9 lives’ | Fox News
Thank you for keeping this topic on hand.
Copied and pasted from FB. New needs list and locations to send to in TN and W. NC.
***WISH LIST with SHIPPING locations for Western North Carolina and needed items for East Tennessee for IMMEDIATE cold weather needs for victims displaced from the Hurricane Helene flooding crisis***
These individuals and teams are members of amazing, nonprofit recovery organizations and also members of Team Dominator. They are working very hard in the recovery process and distributing crucial items to those that need it as snow and cold weather is contributing to more deaths in those areas. Please help if you are able.
Here are the items for immediate needs:
**WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AREA:
Shawn Hendrix
AMAZON WISH LIST LINK- The SHIPPING ADDRESS is embedded in the checkout, PLEASE select the appropriate address (Greenville, NC)at check out
Amazon wish list – https://t.co/0OJQY0Kzr8
**EAST TENNESSEE AREA:
Logan Eschrich
Deliver to:
151 Speedway Blvd
Bristol, TN 37620
*Portable Propane Heaters (specific brands are not crucial for this location)
*Camping Propane Tanks
*Kerosene Heaters
*Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
*Cold Weather Tents
*Tent Lanters
*Head Lamps
*Hot Hands
*Chromebooks and Starlinks for schools that were destroyed.
If you would like to make monetary donations in lieu of shipping items, please donate here:
Shawn Hendrix – https://linktr.ee/theshawnhendrix
Logan Eschrich – https://pawxchaser.wixsite.com/allonedrs
CLOTHING ITEMS ARE NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME FOR THESE LOCATIONS – That will be in a separate post.
THANK YOU,
Team Dominator Storm Recovery
NC Governor, Cooper, says about 90 people still unaccounted for. However, there is a school near the French Broad River in the Asheville area where 21 families are unaccounted for. Assuming there is only 1 child per family, that is 63 individuals FROM ONE SCHOOL. So it’s virtually impossible for only 90 people being unaccounted for as there are other areas they haven’t even been able to get to due to bridges and roads being washed away and carried off. One family in a hard hit area lost 11 individuals all living in the same large tract of land. It really upsets me to see this suffering and death and authorities not being upfront about it. The numbers they give simply are not possible. Btw- many people are in tents as they can only get that sort of dwelling to them in the upper elevations. Please don’t forget about these people even though most media has. If you want to donate , Samaritan’s Purse is an extraordinary organization. They are literally carrying mud bucket by bucket out of peoples homes.
DIRECT WEATHER Channel
Watch “Winter Is coming Two Months Early… I Can’t Believe this” on YouTube
Very informative update:
https://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/2024/10/detailed-after-action-report-from-north.html?m=1
This is simply stellar!
Thanks so much for finding this and sharing.
What a fascinating read, and so well written, too! 😀
I read the following paragraph three times. The part about the husband’s wife . . . LOL!
There were multiple episodes of civil unrest and violence. A dude in Brevard shot out the tires of someone else cutting into a gas line. A fist fight broke out near the local credit union. My bee out yard is near a sketchy neighborhood. Apparently, some local meth heads broke into a home thinking the owners had split. Nope. The husband comes out of the bedroom busting caps from a 357 revolver… we’re old school up here. Said meth heads retreated to their vehicle and returned fire. Husbands wife opens the bedroom window and throws down with a full mag from an AR-10. The next morning nothing was found other than broken glass and some blood. The sheriff’s dept. never responded because no one called (no phones) Like I said, old school.
It took me two days plus last weekend, to get thru to my nursing agency, too big to fail type deal, get my password reset and reach the people I needed to to see what I could do to help…apparently they have “enough” RN’s in Florida and are wrapping up crisis positions…
On a good day in ‘the season’, there are not enough nurses…
I tried to do what I could with what i have to work with…
Is there any truth to FEMA offering a $750.00 loan that has to be collateralized with property. Must be paid back in full and that is basically all you are getting.
I am asking if anyone has a breakdown on what is being offered to the victims in Florida, GA, TN, NC for the first Hurricane and now the second one. I want to be armed with the facts.
I might be wrong, but as I understand it, its a grant that doesn’t have to be paid back.
However I’m hearing that a LOT of people don’t “qualify”. I hear that if you rent or own with flood insurance, and have kids in school and have some receipts showing you have borne some storm related out of pocket expenses like a generator or motel room ,you’re a shoo-in. But if not… maybe not so much..
But encourage everyone to try. Almost everyone in WNC and most of FLA could use that money now and a lot more than most political programs.
200 Identified Bodies.
Not on list til they know who they were
227 as of October 5th. No updates that I can find in almost 2 weeks.
Media blackout.
I second the quote you posted from the Treeper from Western US. It is disappointing but not really surprising that over two weeks since the hurricane the major news outlets have still not bothered to go into the mountainous areas to report on the devastation. Disasters on the other side of the planet get more coverage.
I have noted the same. I don’t know if they can’t get there, I have a feeling it is more like they don’t want to cover it.
BlazeTV’s Steve Baker is reporting on an all volunteer team of Special Op Veterans who have developed a supply chain for drop-off donations using helicopters, all terrain vehicles and other forms of transportation delivering goods directly to the people in the North Carolina mountains. They are working with the National Guard and the 101st Airborne as well as Churches and other nonprofits working in the area to get the supplies into that devastated area.
The Veteran Special Ops team was started by a former Green Beret who has family in Black Mountain. He’s established an all volunteer “military-style supply chain” that’s running under a nonprofit called Savage Freedoms Relief Operations.
The story broke today and is on the front page near the bottom.
Some of the donations they are in need of is winter weather clothing including coats, hats, gloves, scarfs, blankets, comforters, boots, socks and so much more.
Thought you and your readers would be interested in learning about this. It’s the first glimmer of a truly organized and coordinated operation to get the goods to the people in genuine need.
I also wish to thank you for doing these much needed posts. So important. Most grateful.
And thank you to your readers for sharing their stories and more with everyone who posts and lurks here. We’re reading, listening and praying with all of you.
This is good information. Thank you.
SAVAGE OPS | Savage Freedoms Def
If you haven’t seen this, it is well worth the 20 min to watch. Very well done mini documentary of Swannanoa. This young man is doing grassroots journalism that outshines anything MSM offered.
Headline from last Saturday’s Johnson City (TN) Press: ‘Don’t Forget Us’ Although many conservative sites already have, we flood victims are GREATFUL to Sundance for keeping this story ALIVE! THANK YOU!!!
MSM is silent. Cable news is silent. Also getting harder to find updates on the internet. This thread, here, at TCTH, offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date reporting. So thankful.
“For the people in Spruce Pine, North Carolina…if you can see this, you have a place to go. They allow you to stay as long as you need and you can bring your pets. ”
https://x.com/Sassafrass_84/status/1846581791500460498
CM, here is additional detailed info regarding the Spruce Pine and Bakersville situation.
https://www.wunc.org/environment/2024-10-17/mitchell-county-water-shortages-wastewater-helene
Thanks for passing along. Such a terrible mess & hope they find a way to supply water soon.
A long time ago, my grandfather used to run one of the Asheville water treatment plants. It was named for him after his passing.
You’re welcome. It is getting more difficult by the day to find news coverage of any kind regarding ongoing relief efforts for NC and TN. Almost a complete media blackout. Takes several creative internet searches to find anything EXCEPT the gaslighting main stream that touts the successes of FEMA, etc.
Do you still have family in the Asheville area?
Good news…in a small way…my dog friends in Vero did ok…no issues with tornadoes, flooding or damage, for them.
Great news Aggie!
Every morning I wake and check headlines. First up is always Hurricane Helene; relief, rescue and recovery efforts. Every morning I tell myself that I cannot hate this administration enough. But after my coffee, I give myself a pep talk, I look around at all I have for which to be thankful, and I say to myself, “Oh, YES you can!”–meaning hate them even more–“You can do it!” And then I do.
I took a pickup load of supplies from upstate SC to Gashes Creek Baptist church from my church and also with a pastor from another church. The address is: 308 Gashes Creek Rd. Asheville, N.C. 28803. There were several people working there and they had a lot of stuff. They said they are serving mostly the Swannanoa area. And I think they said the Batcave region. I didn’t stay long but they seemed to be a good bunch of folks. I have a connection with a pastor here in SC that I think has a phone number to the church. They say the needs change daily but they are not taking clothes except maybe stocking caps, gloves, sleeping bags, tents and propane heaters. If you can’t find a phone number I will contact my pastor friend to get it. Thanks to all of you for keeping us updated. Where we go as one we go with power from Jesus. He is our greatest source of strength and help in time of need. He can calm the storm or take us through the storm. Jesus is the forever winner. Satan and his minions are the forever losers. No weapon formed against us will prosper and the gates of hell including the wicked eugenicists like Bill Gates, George Soros and their puppets will not prevail. So keep your head in this battle. We win in the end. Big time and forever.
TdoG, thank you for this meaningful response. That physical address is very helpful. Phone # in quick search shows 828-298-1451. They also have a Facebook page but I’m not on FB. In our household, we are trying to keep a weekly donation schedule, not a once-and-done donation, also spreading the word to friends. Most of us prefer to provide relief support to local churches. We must keep asking, “What can we do to help?” in addition to prayer. The needs will change. The last part of your post is inspirational. Again, thank you.
Thanks, I am going to call them because another guy called DC drano posted that FEMA is confiscating donated item from churches. I need to try and verify this.
I saw that! Avery County. PLEASE come back here and tell us what you find. Please post it on this thread as well as Open Thread and Presidential Thread because this thread has not been bumped for two days now. Your info could influence which churches might be ruled out for donations. Probably the much smaller churches will not be bothered by our corrupt government agencies. Looks like they are targeting the very large staging areas. Will be watching for your report. Thank you for your efforts.
A feel-good story for all Treeper cat lovers.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/tears-as-cat-rescuer-discovers-all-her-strays-survived-deadly-hurricane/ar-AA1srIit
Cannot even begin to imagine the pain and grief . . .
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Cheer Athletics Rochester says its owner had 11 family members, including his parents, die during Hurricane Helene.
https://www.whec.com/top-news/cheer-athletics-rochester-says-11-of-owners-family-members-died-in-hurricane-helene/
More on the story:
https://www.fox7austin.com/news/hurricane-helene-mudslides-family-lost-11-people-says-community-sacrificed-life-limb
They are NOT illegal immigrants – they are illegal alien INVADERS and a lot of them are filled with a darkness deeper than a bottomless pit…
testing…
Hi, Paul.
Mitchell County here, western NC near the TN state line. Electric turned on yesterday – 20 days after Helene. Internet 2 days ago thanks to Elon! All assistance thanks to local community centre. This event bought us all closer together. Our community is strong and united, if a little grimy and tired due to recovery! Local electric Co. posted updates every night – replacing up to 60 poles a day for 3 weeks! Fema and RedCross still to appear! Some places uneffected while nearby areas completely devastated. Strangest thing I’ve ever seen! Local rumor suggesting over 10,000 still missing, but no-one has real numbers, it’s unnerving to be left in the dark like this, but recovery is beginning, beliefs are intact and govt. assistance remains a myth. Many thanks to all who donated, every day was a surprise and a constant state of being overwhelmed by gratitude. Until you’ve been in this kind of need you won’t know just how much your charity means!! Thank you all!!
Paul, we are here! Please keep posting and giving updates. This thread has not yet been bumped today, but we will post on the Open Thread or Prez Thread, depending on subject. We will not forget about you. Thank you for the update. Mitchell County in our prayers.
I am very happy your electric is back on!
I am not sure it is charity, more like doing the right thing because it is what you do when people need help. Anyway, I am glad to know things are looking up. Each and every day things will improve, I pray for spirits to be lifted and strength to continue on.
Previously provided info on a solar water purification system for emergency use. Should have thought to post this next sooner.
Rocket stoves make extremely efficient use of wood and can be used to cook about anything. NOTE: Do NOT place indoors! CO2 and fire hazard. OUTSIDE use only! Many of the materials are possibly scattered around and with all the framing and trees everywhere in harder hit areas, lots of potential fuel.
Those that have kept up with these Helene threads know a family that donated a truck load of prime quality rocket stoves. They can be made with a large number of materials, including in the ground (often used in survival situations). Materials they can be made of range from bricks or blocks to tin cans.
My own preference is a brick or concrete block one due to its simplicity, common materials, and portability. There are many variations of making one with bricks, but this is one of the simpler ones:
There are variants using another layer of bricks that have separate wood feed and air feed entries (air feed below the wood feed).
Here is a page with 10 designs, including from scrap items and materials, as well as a description of the base design.
https://emergencyprepguy.com/how-to-build-a-rocket-stove/
Last, this webpage has a collection of 25 different ways to make them, from a 6 concrete block design to in ground to tin can and others.
https://www.unknownbrewing.com/diy-rocket-stove/?__im-aZSXgKdR=1695624167720060145
Note to those reading and not in a situation of need – learn the techniques and variations, make a few, experiment. You never know when or where disaster might strike.
Also suggested to acquire and learn to use magnesium fire starters (you can put one on your key ring or put it in your purse or pocket).
Triplets that survived the flooding standing on their counter tops.
A discussion of some aspects of the relief efforts and a note about “the army is there” versus private pilots.
Maps of many of the severely damaged areas where valleys were decimated show all the buildings outside the “500 yard flood zone” as determined by the “government.” Per this local historian, a similar event happened in the early 1900’s.
Video that shows as the winds struck areas that the ground was saturated and the trees began falling like dominoes.
Mule teams continue to pack in supplies daily. People helping people.
https://twitter.com/Sassafrass_84/status/1846723630937334049
Mountain Mule Packers was on my original donation list immediately following Helene. So good to know that they are still out there doing God’s work. This is an amazing video. Will bump them back to top of list to send some love and gratitude.
Two children rescued a dog. The time came when the dog then saved one of them.
An 11-year-old boy in North Carolina named Jamie Parker got buried in rubble when a mudslide hit his grandparents’ house during Hurricane Helene. But he’s okay after his family’s dog found him.
His name is Tucker. He stood where Jamie was and wouldn’t budge until firefighters got there and used chainsaws to get him out.
Jamie and his sister used their allowance three years ago to save Tucker when he was about to be put down at a shelter. So it’s almost like he wanted to return the favor. (Here’s a photo.)
Two children rescued a dog. The time came when the dog then saved one of them.
Harris/Biden/Blinken showing they are cruel, heartless, evil fooks.
Just read that another 425 million is going to Ukraine. Yet fema is broke. Can’t help the hurricane victims, and this has me all messed up. I can’t stand it anymore.
I refuse to pay taxes. I’m going to find a way to make myself exempt. This biden harris government is treasonous.
I’m literally in tears and enraged over this. https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f447.svg
@NC_Governor you have blood on your hands.
https://twitter.com/Sassafrass_84/status/1846608738301677695
Here is the rest of that post from Sassafrass:
A lineman in North Carolina said they found a man buried up to his shoulders and as they tried to dig him out he said “Dont, please let me go, I dont wanna live anymore.” They asked him why he didnt want to live & he said “bcuz my wife & children are gone.” They told him many ppl are still being found & his family could be safe and he replied “i know they didnt make it buz theyre under me & they stopped scratching my leg 3 days ago.”
But we send Lebanon more money.
Oh my dear God.
oh my. That is heart crushing.