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Complete Devastation in South Carolina from Hurricane Helene

GREENVILLE, S.C., — Hurricane Helene barreled through the Carolinas with a ferocity that few could have predicted, leaving devastation in her wake. From the mountainous regions of Asheville, North Carolina, to the towns of Chimney Rock and Greenville in South Carolina, the aftermath of the storm is a stark reminder of nature’s unrelenting power. Aiken, often shielded from the worst coastal storms, was not spared either, as Helene’s winds and rain tore through the area, leaving communities severely struggling to pick up the pieces.

Greenville, SC: A City Brought to Its Knees

Greenville, known for its booming growth and picturesque downtown, now faces a challenge unlike any in recent history. Massive flooding caused by the torrential rains from Helene submerged neighborhoods, washed away roads, and left thousands without power. The Reedy River, usually a serene feature of Falls Park, turned into a raging torrent that overtook its banks, threatening businesses and homes along the riverfront.

Emergency services have been working around the clock, performing rescues and distributing supplies to those stranded by the floods. Despite the efforts, it may be weeks or months before life returns to normal in Greenville, as the infrastructure has taken a severe hit. Many residents are now grappling with damaged homes, and the community is banding together to provide shelter and aid to those in need.

Sheriff of Greenville County, Hobert Lewis said, “If you’re thinking about looting, my office and the coroner’s office will come to deal with it, because you certainly won’t need EMS.”

Aiken, SC: A New Reality for a Historic Town

Aiken, with its rich history and Southern charm, experienced a brutal onslaught from Helene that will be felt for years to come. Trees, uprooted by the hurricane-force winds, now litter the streets, with many falling onto homes and power lines. The town’s equestrian heritage, central to its identity, took a hit as stables and horse farms suffered significant damage. With power outages widespread and flooding closing off several main roads, the recovery effort here will be long and costly.

Local officials have been quick to assess the situation, deploying teams to clear roadways and restore power. However, with many homes damaged and several residents displaced, Aiken faces a sobering reality that the road to recovery will be difficult.

Hurricane Helene - Aiken, SC — Hurricane Helene – Aiken, SC

Asheville, NC: A Mountain Town Under Siege

Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and famous for its vibrant arts scene and breathtaking natural beauty, was not immune to the devastation. Landslides, triggered by Helene’s relentless rains, have wreaked havoc on the area, destroying homes and cutting off access to certain parts of the city. The French Broad River, usually a draw for tourists and locals alike, swelled to dangerous levels, flooding nearby areas and forcing evacuations.

While the picturesque town is no stranger to storms, Helene’s intensity has left a lasting scar. The historic Biltmore Estate, a key landmark of the region, sustained damage as surrounding areas experienced significant flooding and erosion.

Hurricane Helene - Asheville, NC — Hurricane Helene – Asheville, NC

Chimney Rock, NC: A Tourist Destination Left Reeling

Chimney Rock, one of North Carolina’s most beloved outdoor attractions, suffered substantial damage as Hurricane Helene’s winds tore through the region. The iconic rock formation itself stands strong, but the surrounding area, including Chimney Rock Village, is a different story. Roads leading to the area have been washed out, cutting off access to the park and businesses that rely heavily on tourism.

Many small businesses in the village were severely impacted, with flooding overtaking shops and homes. For a town whose livelihood depends on visitors coming to experience the scenic beauty, Helene’s impact is a devastating blow.

Missing and Dead

As of the latest updates following Hurricane Helene, more than 600 people remain missing or dead in North Carolina, particularly in the western regions like Asheville. In South Carolina, the exact number of missing individuals is still being assessed, but is expected to rise dramatically. The widespread devastation has displaced numerous communities, with many areas facing prolonged power outages and communication breakdowns. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are performing welfare checks to locate those unaccounted for. Recovery efforts continue to ramp up as officials work to restore essential services.

Lakes and Rivers Still Rising

Flooding along the Catawba River and the surrounding lakes, including Lake Norman and Lake Wylie, has escalated in recent days due to the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Duke Energy has been forced to release excess rainwater from these lakes into the Catawba River system, which has led to significant increases in water levels and subsequent flooding along the shorelines.

In areas like Mountain Island Lake, water levels have surged, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for several neighborhoods in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties, including Riverside Drive and Riverhaven Drive. Residents in areas near Lake Norman and Lake Wylie are also on high alert. Emergency management officials are closely monitoring the situation, with shelters set up for evacuees. Boats are floating away from docks, and going over the Wylie dam into the Catawba.

Floodwaters continue to rise as Duke Energy releases more water downstream. In some locations, water levels have reached historic highs, with Mountain Island Lake cresting over 103 feet, well above its typical levels(

Authorities are urging caution, and many areas remain under voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders as conditions worsen. Residents near the affected lakes are advised to prepare for continued flooding and potential damage.

Hurricane Helene - Lake Wylie Dam — Hurricane Helene – Lake Wylie Dam

A Unified Response in the Face of Disaster

As residents of South Carolina and North Carolina begin the daunting task of rebuilding, the resilience of these communities shines through. Local governments, emergency services, and residents have all come together, working tirelessly to restore power, clear debris, and provide aid to those in need.

Charitable organizations and state officials are coordinating relief efforts, ensuring that residents have access to food, clean water, and medical supplies. However, the scale of destruction caused by Hurricane Helene is so vast that it will require federal assistance, long-term planning, and community support to fully recover.

President Joe Biden has approved expediated disaster relief for both North and South Carolina.

For Greenville, Aiken, Asheville, and Chimney Rock, the road to recovery will be long, but the spirit of these communities remains unbroken. Hurricane Helene may have left behind a trail of destruction, but it has also revealed the strength and unity that defines the Carolinas.

Stay tuned to Crime and Cask News as we continue to provide updates on the recovery efforts and ways you can assist in the relief effort.

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