The number of deaths in the Asheville area from Hurricane Helene has climbed to 35, with survivors recounting grim scenes of bodies trapped in trees and homes washed away by floodwaters. Buncombe County officials confirmed the rising toll Monday, as rescue teams continued efforts to reach those stranded by the storm.
Helene, which slammed into the Southeast last week, has killed 120 people nationwide. The storm brought record rainfall and flash floods to western North Carolina, particularly impacting Asheville and surrounding mountain communities. The heavy rains triggered mudslides and severe flooding that left entire neighborhoods submerged.
Alyssa Hudson, a resident of Black Mountain, shared how her home was destroyed by the floods. “Our floors are caved in, our walls are gone,” she said, adding that she and her boyfriend lost nearly all their belongings. Other survivors told of harrowing escapes, with many describing bodies floating in floodwaters and people clinging to rooftops waiting for rescue.
Emergency crews face significant challenges as roads remain impassable and power outages persist throughout the region. In some areas, volunteers have had to use mules to deliver food and water across flooded roads, while helicopters have been airlifting supplies to isolated communities.
One of the hardest-hit towns was Chimney Rock, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic views and historic significance. Local officials reported that much of the town’s business district had been completely washed away, leaving little behind but debris and mud.
In Asheville, the city’s water system suffered significant damage, forcing residents to rely on makeshift methods to access clean water. As recovery efforts ramp up, early estimates suggest the storm caused $34 billion in damage, making it one of the most costly hurricanes in recent history. With thousands of residents displaced and the search for missing individuals ongoing, the full impact of Hurricane Helene is still being assessed.
