SWANNANOA, N.C. ‒ Roy Shelton observed the Swannanoa River rising alarmingly close to the foundation of his family’s home, which has been situated on this hill for six decades.

From his porch, the 73-year-old saw entire tractor trailers, shiny new cars, and various objects he couldn’t even name rush past him in the once calm river, which surged violently due to Tropical Storm Helene’s impact on Western North Carolina on September 27. Eleven days later, Shelton remained on his porch, listening to the sounds of helicopters overhead while search and rescue teams worked tirelessly around him.

“I was born and raised here, and never imagined I’d witness the Swannanoa River in such a destructive state,” reflected Swannanoa Fire Chief Anthony Penland during an update on October 8.

With floodwaters engulfing the doors of their fire engines, the Swannanoa Fire and Rescue team began their mission of saving residents trapped by rising waters on September 27. They blared sirens and broadcast evacuation notifications in both Spanish and English urging residents to evacuate.

“Our task force units are still actively searching the river and the debris,” Penland stated. “We are continuing to locate some of our community members. For those of us raised here, it’s heartbreaking as some of these individuals are our friends.”

Penland mentioned a landslide that occurred in the Grovemont area that resulted in the loss of two acquaintances.

He emphasized that first responders are committed to meticulously searching every possible area to find anyone who might still be missing.

On Saturday, the YSL News Network reported that the death toll from Helene has reached 228.

As the 2024 hurricane season continues, another powerful storm, Hurricane Milton, is heading towards Florida. Roads are congested, gas stations are running out of fuel, and supplies are disappearing as Milton barrels toward Florida’s vulnerable west coast on Wednesday.

Ongoing searches and rescues: Updates on fatalities still pending

The fire chief shared that he does not have an official tally of deaths linked to Helene in Swannanoa. When a body is found, he contacts the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, which takes over the investigation.

Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller confirmed that search and rescue missions are still active in the county, noting there are regions that remain inaccessible. Authorities are employing helicopters and other assets in efforts to reach these locations, although Miller did not disclose specific areas.

Miller mentioned that approximately 150 personnel from nearly all of the 100 counties in North Carolina are assisting with various aspects of the Sheriff’s Office operations, from search and rescue missions to dispatch tasks. A sheriff even deployed a helicopter to aid in rescue efforts.

The last update Miller provided regarding county fatalities was on October 3, where 72 deaths were confirmed. Subsequently, county representative Lillian Govus mentioned that a team from the North Carolina State Medical Examiners was being organized, adding that “our medical examiner is pausing the release of information regarding fatalities” in Buncombe County.

The Citizen Times sought updates on Helene-related deaths from N.C. Emergency Management and the N.C. Division of Health and Human Services.

A long road ahead: community support in action

Penland stated that his focus is ensuring that “our tight-knit communities” receive the support they need as relief efforts commence. He noted that FEMA has been actively visiting homes in the area. Shelton confirmed that FEMA representatives met with him on his porch that day.

Penland outlined a challenging recovery ahead for the small town east of Asheville, highlighting the urgent need for assistance: bridges have been washed away, roads have been destroyed, and the infrastructure in the Bee Tree community needs to be rebuilt.

From his family’s home, Shelton mentioned, “everyone has been looking out for each other, even those who have lost everything.”