North Carolina residents are reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene, with hundreds unaccounted for and entire towns "absolutely decimated" by the historic storm surge.
Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc on North Carolina, leaving widespread devastation and hundreds of residents unaccounted for. Swannanoa resident Zach Dasher described the scene in his town as "complete devastation," with entire buildings and the ground beneath them swept away by the relentless storm surge.
"Our little town here has just been absolutely decimated," Dasher told "Fox & Friends First." "Buildings have been gone on one side of the road, and the ground that the building sat on is no longer there."
Devastation in North Carolina: Hurricane Helene's Aftermath Leaves Communities 'Absolutely Decimated'
The storm's fury has taken a devastating toll on lives, infrastructure, and property. Rescue workers have witnessed firsthand the tragic loss of life, with residents trapped in the floodwaters. Dasher emphasized the urgent need for assistance, as the community struggles to come to terms with the magnitude of the disaster.
"We've never seen anything quite like this," he said. "Bridges, infrastructure, it's just destroyed… It's going to take years to build this back."
Devastation in North Carolina: Hurricane Helene's Aftermath Leaves Communities 'Absolutely Decimated'
Western North Carolina has been particularly hard-hit by the hurricane's effects. Catastrophic flooding has destroyed hundreds of roads and bridges, cutting off access to essential supplies and services. Appalachian State University student Dana Lheureux recounted the terrifying moment when a tree crashed through her apartment building, narrowly missing her bedroom.
"None of us expected to be hit as bad as we were," Lheureux said. "The town of Boone is devastated. We've never experienced anything like this."
Devastation in North Carolina: Hurricane Helene's Aftermath Leaves Communities 'Absolutely Decimated'
As the community struggles to recover, Dasher urged churches and the government to come to their aid. "I'm hoping that the churches in this area are going to step up. I hope donations will pour in. I hope that the government will come in with a large financial aid package to help," he said.
President Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for North Carolina, and federal resources are being deployed to assist with recovery efforts. Over 800 FEMA personnel have been dispatched, along with distribution centers and equipment.
Devastation in North Carolina: Hurricane Helene's Aftermath Leaves Communities 'Absolutely Decimated'
Hurricane Helene's aftermath has left a lasting scar on North Carolina. With hundreds of lives lost and communities devastated, the long road to recovery has only just begun. The resilience of the people of North Carolina will be tested as they rebuild their lives and infrastructure, but they will not face this challenge alone as assistance pours in from across the state and nation.
