Lance Whitney
Updated on: October 16, 2024 7:02 am GMT
In a shocking turn of events, homes in North Carolina were swept away as dangerous floodwaters surged after days of heavy rain, worsened by the arrival of Hurricane Helene. The storm left many families grappling with loss, and countless individuals remain unaccounted for amidst the devastation.
Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Impact
According to Rachel Wilkes, a Sugar Grove resident, she captured footage of a dramatic wall of water cascading down the hillside. This torrent struck at the heart of a community, causing homes to be displaced and families to face unimaginable loss.
A Family’s Heartbreak
One of the hardest-hit families is that of Kate and Dave Donald. Their 100-year-old home is now barely above water, and mud coats what remains of their once-lively abode. Their daughter, Samantha Balk, expressed her shock: “Because it was never expected that something like this would ever happen.” Tragically, the Donalds did not have flood insurance, complicating their efforts to rebuild.
“I probably have no pictures left from when I was a baby,” Balk lamented, recalling precious memories lost. Her great-grandmother’s artwork, once displayed on the walls, is now irretrievable.
A Race Against Time
During the flooding, Dave Donald was home alone. He initially reported water starting to seep into the house. With rising waters, he was forced to climb onto the bed to stay dry, but within 45 minutes, the water had reached that high. He quickly moved to the attic, waving his hand through the ceiling to signal for help.
With emergency services unable to reach him, neighbors took action. One friend bravely navigated through the floodwaters in a kayak, armed with an ax, and broke through the ceiling. “I’m just thankful he’s alive,” Balk said, clearly relieved that despite the chaos, Dave and his dog, Coco, made it to safety.
Hazards from Flood Damage
Now, the family faces the daunting task of sorting through the remnants of their home. However, the possibility of contamination from the flooded waters poses a serious health risk. Balk is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and legal aid to seek assistance in the recovery process.
Community Support
To help the Donald family rebuild, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up. Community members are rallying to support those affected by the storm, illustrating the power of unity in times of crisis. Local news outlets, like WRAL, have also compiled lists of individuals who are safe and available resources. Residents can reach out to report missing loved ones or mark themselves safe through various platforms.
- Call 211 or visit nc211.org for health and human services resources.
- Use the form for reporting safety status with the subject “NC Safe List.”
- Contact 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state for help connecting with family.
Reflections on Loss
The Donald family’s story is one among many in North Carolina as communities come to terms with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Despite the overwhelming destruction and heartache, Samantha Balk finds solace in her family’s safety. “I’m grateful my stepfather is safe,” she shared, showcasing her resilience amidst the turmoil.
As recovery efforts continue, residents are reminded of the importance of preparedness for future natural disasters. The deep scars left by Hurricane Helene will take time to heal, and a united community will be critical in helping those affected find their way back to stability.
Conclusion
The events in North Carolina show us how strong nature can be and how quickly life can change. Families, like the Donalds, are trying to rebuild their homes after losing so much. Thankfully, their community is helping them, giving them hope as they work to recover. People can check local news or call hotlines to get updates on safety and how things are going during this tough time.
