Eric Reece
It has been over a year since Hurricane Helene hit the southeastern United States on Sept. 27, 2024. We still are witnesses of the effects and know the recovery will take years – if not decades.
I read of the 1916 and 1940 flood in western North Carolina. One eyewitness of the 1916 flood from East Laporte – next to the Tuckasegee River – told me he saw things you would never have believed could happen. Some of the rivers that flooded in western North Carolina were the French Broad, Swannanoa, Nolichucky, Pigeon and the Toe.
Helene was different from other storms that have hit western North Carolina. We have seen destruction and death but not on this scale. Damages in North Carolina were estimated at well over $50 billion. Roads and railroads disappeared. Houses and churches were destroyed. Schools were flooded and condemned. Business losses were terrible, with many not reopening.
Instead of pinpointing the areas for people to avoid during the rescue phase of the storm, the word went out to stay away from all of western North Carolina – which caused more economic hardship.
The official death toll was 108 people, with five still missing. The death toll would have been higher without the many who were rescued by first responders risking all to save lives. We may never know the exact death toll. Our prayers are still with the families who lost so much.
The disaster brought an unprecedented response. Federal, state, county workers, and many non-profit and church groups from all over came to work hard during the rescue and recovery time. The federal and North Carolina state governments along with foundations and non-profits gave record amounts to help rebuild.
When Mr. Rogers was a child and was frightened by events in the news his mother would reassure him by saying, “Look for the helpers.”
Looking for the helpers eased his anxiety, as he knew people were there to help during times of crisis. During Helene, we had so many helpers who came, worked, volunteered and gave. The helpers are still working in western North Carolina in the hardest impacted areas.
One of those helpers were the people of Graham County. United Community Bank of Robbinsville set up a donated, 53-foot trailer and organized relief. The donations flowed in: food, over-the-counter medicine, sports drinks, water, propane tanks, tools, flashlights, batteries, toilet paper and diapers. It was like a rolling store bringing relief to a community. We are grateful for the many local businesses and individuals who donated goods and funds. The load was dropped off to the United Community Bank in Burnsville, an area hit hard. Their community room was filled to the brim with all the much-needed supplies given out of love from Graham County.
Dr. Fred Craddock preached a sermon entitled “Who Cares” about the parable of the Good Samaritan. The good samaritan helped a stranger, because he cared. Graham County responded to our neighbors.
I am thankful we live in a community where we cared not only about the souls of folks, but their earthly needs as well.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is the pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.