Hurricane Helene hits western NC: Lake Lure & Chimney Rock rallies for recovery
State and federal partners join forces as evacuations soar to over 100 people
To my new subscribers (and a reminder to loyal readers), welcome to Cops & Congress, where facts come first, followed by in-depth commentary and analysis. Paid subscribers enjoy exclusive access to scoops requiring investigation of public records. I don’t copy/paste press releases, I do deep reporting. Your support directly funds the detailed research behind my independent journalism. I want my audience to be informed. I can’t work for free. For a limited time subscribe now for just $3.75/month using the link below to get 75% off for a year! If you have already subscribed, thank you for your support. I invite you to share my stories with your family, friends and networks.
Please only use the discount if you truly can’t afford $15/month. I appreciate your support as I shine a light on the news, ensuring you stay informed with facts and a conservative perspective on the most critical issues impacting our communities and the nation.
Buffalo Shoals Road at the Lake Lure dam on Sept. 30, 2024.
State and federal partners have joined local efforts to help western North Carolina recover after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and surrounding areas last Friday. First responders, volunteers, and government agencies are working together to assess the damage and provide critical resources to affected communities.
NC House Speaker Tim Moore toured the area on Monday.
Rumbling Bald is serving as a hub for local support, hosting twice-daily meetings for residents and the community at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. These gatherings offer vital updates as the area begins the rebuilding process. For a video of Monday afternoon’s meeting, visit Facebook.com/AnnieMDance. (I can’t format links on the substack phone version, don’t you love technology?)
Writing this from my phone on Tuesday morning by candlelight with less than one bar of cell signal, I can tell you the facts: recovery is happening, but it’s slow, and uncertainty still lingers. Local emergency management officials have not yet responded to my request for comment to confirm whether there have been any injuries or fatalities, but fire department sources have told me that there are “many fatalities.”
The Chimney Rock Village Fire Department issued a heartfelt statement on Monday, expressing their gratitude for the community’s support. "We have been non-stop since this started. We are all devastated and in shock, but we have checked every address in our area and are working around the clock with very little downtime," the department said in a statement. "We are good on supplies at the time being, and we are grateful for the crews that have come from across the state and the country to help."
Rutherford County Emergency Management also released an updated list of over 100 evacuees at RS Central High School in Rutherfordton. They said some names may be misspelled or missing due to the chaotic nature of the evacuation. “Please note that some individuals may have left the shelter voluntarily after their arrival. There’s over 100 names,” officials said. “The shelter is located at RS Central High School, 641 US-221, Rutherfordton, NC 28139, at the back of the building.”
Yesterday afternoon county emergency officials added, “If you wish to make donations or need to speak to someone about supplies for you and your family, please call 828-278-8920. Please Note: This number is NOT for those looking for missing persons. For welfare checks on loved ones in Rutherford County whom you have been unable to reach, please email EOC@rutherfordcountync.gov.”
Cops & Congress Commentary
Even in the darkest moments, the truth matters. As western North Carolina faces the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the importance of accurate information is clearer than ever. I’m sitting here by candlelight with barely a signal, but it’s essential to tell the real story. State and federal partners are stepping in, and local efforts are strong, but we need transparency from officials on potential fatalities and the full scope of the damage.
This disaster has shown how resilient this community is, but it’s also revealed a need for better communication during crises. Despite the overwhelming efforts of first responders and volunteers, the public deserves real-time updates to keep families informed and supported. As the recovery continues, authorities must ensure that facts are shared with the public so that trust remains intact.
As western North Carolina begins its long road to recovery, local and state officials must reflect on how to improve disaster management processes for the future.
Please excuse any formatting issues or grammatical issues due to writing by candlelight on my phone. If there’s a factual clarification please, as always, let me know.
This article is free to read due to generous support from founding member subscribers. Thank you. Please support my future work. (ICYMI: Six reasons to support my independent journalism)
🏛️ All those mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Learn more about this newsletter and my background. I am guided by the Society for Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Follow me on X (Twitter), Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Send constructive criticism, fan mail and tips with public documents for future stories: CopsandCongress@gmail.com.
Interested in sponsoring a future issue of Cops & Congress? Email me with your ideas and budget.
(Free subscribers: Upgrade to paid to leave a comment below and don’t miss out on exclusive content.)