Eric Reece
The good folks of Graham County have done it again.
A call was sent out for help – and the response came back loud and clear: help the people affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
The destruction from Helene is massive and I am still trying to understand the devastation. On a Zoom call, I spoke about concern for counselors in place to help the people. On another Zoom call, I was told that in times of extreme disasters, the stresses are so great people quit work, relationships break up and some people do not recover. Even the strongest things can break when enough pressure is applied.
Papa’s Pizza to Go was inspired to help and led the way. They were able to get the use of a 48-foot trailer from Millsaps Trucking. United Community Bank offered a space for the trailer and volunteers to help load. Everyone got the word out and individuals, churches, businesses and people from out-of-state filled the trailer up with clothes, bottled water, sports drinks, food, hygiene items, batteries, flashlights, generators and many other items.
The trailer was delivered to Burnsville on Oct. 8. With a number of volunteers from all around, it was unloaded in record time. It took a little longer to sort things but immediately items were given out. A room of baby items was set up at the United Community Bank in Burnsville.
There are no working water and sewage systems in many of the Western North Carolina towns that were hit. Many are still without electricity. The pastor of West Burnsville Baptist Church, the Rev. Rick Fox said they are doing well with clothes, food and water – but he said what was needed was batteries and extension cords.
There are three phases to responding to a disaster. The first phrase is “Rescue.” This is where trained personnel, first responders, firefighters and National Guard get to the affected areas quickly – often while the disaster is ongoing to save lives – secure the area and make the surroundings as safe as possible.
The second phase of response is “Relief.” Relief agencies mobilize, connections are made and critical supplies from food, generators, gasoline, chainsaws to baby formula are sent. During the relief response, mobile kitchens are set up, water trucks are brought in, communications are improved and people are encouraged to apply for assistance. One hope is for the people to know they are not alone and others cared about them and their situation.
The third phase is “Recovery.” This phrase can last for years as lives and communities are rebuilt. Different agencies and non-profit organizations continue to work together, long term to repair homes, businesses and support the community economically. Towns will have to build new infrastructure. Services will be overwhelmed as they try to get everything back to normal.
I give thanks to everyone for their kindness and concern for our neighbors in Western North Carolina.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.