2. Black Mountain Police Chief Steve Parker shares updates on the ongoing search and rescue mission following Hurricane Helene, expressing determination to locate every missing person.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, the Black Mountain Police Department, led by Chief Steve Parker, has been relentlessly pursuing search and rescue operations to locate and recover missing individuals.
According to Chief Parker, the initial five days following the storm were challenging, marked by communication disruptions that hindered resource deployment. However, the community rallied together to rescue over 450 people in Black Mountain alone.
1. Black Mountain Police Unveil Ongoing Efforts to Recover Victims of Hurricane Helene
Since then, the town has received support from federal agencies and the Red Cross. Parker emphasized the importance of continued assistance, acknowledging the potential for future storms and the ongoing need for recovery efforts.
Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of 11 members of the Craig family in Fairview, who were victims of a sudden mudslide. Another family in Green Mountain lost two young boys and their parents in a similar incident.
1. Black Mountain Police Unveil Ongoing Efforts to Recover Victims of Hurricane Helene
As of Wednesday, the official death toll from Hurricane Helene exceeded 230, a figure expected to rise as search operations continue. Rescue efforts have resulted in over 3,200 rescues in North Carolina alone, according to FEMA. However, an unknown number of people remain missing.
To aid in locating missing loved ones, a "Hurricane Helene Safety Check In" Facebook page allows concerned individuals to share photos and descriptions, fostering communication amidst limited cellphone and Wi-Fi access.
1. Black Mountain Police Unveil Ongoing Efforts to Recover Victims of Hurricane Helene
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services advises anyone seeking assistance in locating loved ones to call 2-1-1. Emergency responders are available in affected counties to provide guidance and ensure deceased family members are treated with dignity.
Chief Parker expressed the determination of his team to exhaust all efforts in recovering every missing person. "We're going to continue our efforts until we try to recover every last person," he asserted.
1. Black Mountain Police Unveil Ongoing Efforts to Recover Victims of Hurricane Helene
Despite the initial chaos, Parker commended the community's resilience. "The first five days were rough, and I would have liked to have seen resources pushed our way a lot quicker than they were," he said. "But I also believe that that's due to the communication issues that no one could help. ... We're doing OK now, but we know there's another storm coming to Florida. What's it going to look like for us next week?"
The police chief urged continued support for western North Carolina in the weeks ahead, acknowledging the ongoing need for recovery and rebuilding.
1. Black Mountain Police Unveil Ongoing Efforts to Recover Victims of Hurricane Helene
While the downtown area of Black Mountain remains relatively intact, the town anticipates a period of reconstruction, including the restoration of its water system. In time, it hopes to welcome tourists back to the area, particularly during the vibrant fall foliage season.
"One gentleman the other day, he said, ‘I never knew my neighbors.’ But he said, ‘Joe over here needed this, and Susie over here needed that and Jake over there needed this. And we all got it for them.' So, they're working together to help each other, and they're truly becoming a community," said Parker, highlighting the transformative power of community in the face of adversity.
1. Black Mountain Police Unveil Ongoing Efforts to Recover Victims of Hurricane Helene
