HURRICANE AFTERMATH: Communities devastated, social media pleas turn tragic as death toll climbs [Videos, Photos]

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From the Associated Press: Hurricane Helene killed and destroyed far and wide — from Tampa to Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina, its high winds, heavy rains and sheer size created a perfect mix for devastation.

The storm made landfall late Thursday along a largely undeveloped expanse of pine trees and salt marshes on Florida’s Big Bend coast, but it immediately displayed its far-reaching power several hundred miles away. As of Sunday morning, at least 64 people were confirmed killed.

Tampa Bay was inundated with a massive storm surge that sent water up to people’s attics. Atlanta got more than 11 inches of rain, more than any 48-hour period in recorded history. So many trees were toppled in South Carolina that at one point more than 40 percent of the state lost electricity. In North Carolina, dams were in jeopardy of failing and entire communities are cut off by floods. Floodwaters submerged a hospital in Tennessee so quickly that more than 50 patients had to be rescued from the roof via helicopter.

According to Dan Brown, a specialist at the National Hurricane Center near Miami, Helene was about 350 miles wide, with winds reaching 140 mph when it made landfall in Florida late Thursday evening.

The storm reportedly left an estimated 2.5 million customers without power across multiple states, from Florida to Ohio, caused catastrophic flooding and landslides and washed roads away.

The death tolls, which are changing by the day, include the following:

  • Florida – 11 deaths
  • Georgia – 17 deaths, including 1 first responder, and a a 27-year-old mother and her 1-month old twins
  • South Carolina – 24 deaths, including 2 firefighters
  • North Carolina – 11 deaths
  • Virginia – 1

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Sunday morning, “Met with Team Rubicon volunteers in Pasco County and thanked them for their efforts to help local residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

“The State of Florida also announced that we are mobilizing hundreds of travel trailers for residents who had their homes damaged by the storm, so they can live comfortably on-site while renovations and repairs are underway.”

DeSantis also announced on Sunday, “I have authorized the FL National Guard to send air assets to North Carolina in support of NC’s Hurricane Helene response.”

The Asheville, North Carolina area was hit HARD. Some North Carolina officials have reportedly called it “Biblical devastation.”

Others have compared the effects of Helene to Hurricane Katrina, which hit New Orleans in August 2005.

The Historic Biltmore Village in Asheville is under water.

Banner Elk, NC – With a major road washed out, the only way in or out is by air, warns one post on social media.

And a large chunk of I-40 in western North Carolina is completely gone. Officials are warning people to consider all roads closed, and do not travel.

Tragic accounts emerged on social media, as desperate family members pleaded for information and help for their loved ones, and video footages shows the widespread devastation left behind.

Air Force veteran Gretchen Smith, founder of Code of Vets, posted a desperate message on social media as she feared for her family. Later, she posted an update saying they are fine, but trapped in their basement.

Another heartbreaking account came from Jessica Turner as she first begged in a Face book post for someone to rescue her family from the rooftop in Asheville. Later she gave the tragic update that her parents (in their 70s) and a 6-year-old nephew drowned when the roof collapsed, but her sister was rescued.

Katie Page also posted an urgent message on social media early Saturday morning as she couldn’t reach her parents. She wrote, “It’s been about 24 hours since we last heard from my parents. The SPRUCE PINE / BURNSVILLE area of WNC has been decimated by the storm.”

Sunday afternoon, Pate posted a joyous update. She wrote:

Overjoyed to share that me and my sister just took a call from our parents! After a day of cutting their way out with a chainsaw, they were able to drive their truck to the Little Switzerland Inn where there is cell service.

We have many more details and reports from the three roads they traveled. I have names and locations to share details on the HUB pages for Burnsville and Spruce Pine. Let’s all keep praying for more community relief and support.

We told them that there are literally thousands of people praying for them and that they even landed on the cover of a London newspaper. From fly overs, to helicopter reservations, and a team of guys with chainsaws — they got to hear the plan their daughters were getting ready to activate.

They, along with me and my sister will continue to pour into prayer and support for the WNC communities ravaged by the storm. One grateful story at a time, we will rebuild. Thank you EVERYONE for your kindness and love the last few days — let’s keep it going! ♥️

Writer Rowan Brighton Brown announced, “I don’t usually get personal here, but the hurricane took out part of my family’s home, trapped my grandparents on their farm with no power or service, and completely wiped off the map the town where I *just* got married. Please don’t forget Appalachia when talking about Helene.”

Below is a touching video showing multiple dogs being rescued from the floodwaters.

A bridge in Tennessee was seen collapsing into the floodwaters and being washed right on down the river:

A massive flash flood rushes past one home, and a man is heard sadly saying, “My car’s gone. Everything’s gone. It’s all gone.”

Photojournalist Billy Bowling wrote, “Horrific Flooding yesterday in Black Mountain and Swannanoa, North Carolina. Human impacts from Helene in WNC will rival Hurricane Katrina based on the hell I’ve seen the last 48 hours.”

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