Search and rescue teams are scouring the small town of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, situated east of Asheville, after it suffered severe destruction from flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

Residents of the nearby resort town of Lake Lure reported that Chimney Rock has been largely devastated.

“Everything along the river has been wiped out,” recounted Tracey Stevens, who worked at the Chimney Rock brewery, which has now vanished. “What was previously a town is now a river. It’s more than I could ever have imagined.”

All roads leading to the town are blocked as personnel work to clear debris from what were once homes and businesses.

There was no official confirmation on casualties as officials were still assessing the damage, but some residents in Lake Lure expressed concern for friends who may still be in the town.

“We are waiting and hoping for good news,” said resident Cait Wright.

Drone imagery revealed extensive destruction in the historic mountain town, with numerous buildings swept away by the floodwaters.

Much debris ended up in Lake Lure, turning the water a murky brown and leaving damaged properties and downed trees evident throughout the area.

Jim Larson, a resident who moved to Lake Lure in 2019, witnessed his friends’ businesses being engulfed by the storm.

The town’s pier, police station, and town hall were all lost. A boat was found on top of the lifeguard station.

The water was contaminated with sewage and propane, he noted.

“This used to be the most beautiful water, pristine and clear, and now it won’t be safe for swimming for years,” he stated.

Some residents were anxiously awaiting the chance to return to their homes to check on their pets, yet many areas remained inaccessible.

Cathy Maddox, a Lake Lure resident, was one of those desperate to get back home to confirm the safety of her two pets.

She has two cats and two dogs.

She and her spouse went out to check on their horse and gather some supplies, but upon their return, they found that authorities had cordoned off the area due to concerns about a deteriorating bridge, she explained.

“Our pets have been alone for 27 hours,” she remarked.

While she waited, Maddox felt a sense of relief upon hearing she could enter her home, accompanied by an EMS worker, to check on her pets.