I am an insurance adjuster in NC. I have been hearing these stories for days… exhausted from the mandatory overtime hours we have had to put in to be available to help those in need. I cried at least several times per day the first few days and then I felt numb. The fear and devastation in their voices, the relief they felt from finally being able to reach out to speak to someone, and finally the strength it took for them to describe the horrific event they survived when many people close to them did not has changed me forever. It has changed my outlook on life, the gratitude I have and show daily, and the dedication I have for my job. It saddens and frustrates me that I cannot help everyone but I can do my part to be present and available to help each individual I can. I am in awe of how the community has come together and I am so very proud of NC. The state in which I was born and raised my entire life in. I pray that your livelihood will soon be returned to some semblance of comfort and normalcy and I pray that you have peace and protection until then. ❤
@Jaxxie1981....this is when you see friends come to help, a good lunch made of canned food...it feels like the best lunch..I just hope they find everyone safe...❤
I’m here in Lake Lure NC and I have to say this is the best coverage I’ve seen so far. I cried and then smiled many times. I am so grateful for my life and my family. Volunteering has helped me and the ppl who are serving are helping us all heal. My heart goes out to all my neighbors in WNC. Yes, we are all neighbors here, to love and help one another. Let’s do what we can for each other. Thank you for this video and each story and person you chose. Thank you from my heart for telling our story well.
How can I help from WV? What do you and everyone need? I'm in Fairmont and can try to coordinate getting you supplies via the fire department. What? Say it and somehow I will get it!
Me too United, we stand divided.We fall.This is what America is all about communities.Churches family friends strangers all coming together. God bless you all...
Im in Lake Lure as well. I agree that getting out and us helping each other has been the best for starting healing. I have been so amazed and humbled by the huge outpouring of love, and support we have received in our community. Its been overwhelming, and beautiful. I've never seen in my 41 yrs of life, people come together as they have now during this. Thank you everyone.
That’s exactly what they ARE doing & what they ALWAYS do in times like this. Think about WHO was paid to help and DID NOT!!! Think about WHO this doesn’t bother----
@@christip20 He didn’t even know about NC and then Milton happened and it almost felt like NC was being forgotten on the media. …… I just seen a clip of Biden calling Kamala the president. She’s definitely not there either. They are both poisonous ☠️ 🥶 people
In North Asheville, being well above the river, we were spared the worst. We had lots of big trees and power lines down, roads blocked, and loss of all services, but this amazing community has rallied and pulled together. I know all of my neighbors so much better now, as we have come together to share food and supplies, haul water for those who can't, clear trees, etc. The nearby JCC pool is giving away pool water for dishes and bathing. Many are using the local creeks. We have repurposed the water in our cold plunge for the same purposes and the flood water in our basement has come in handy for flushing toilets. Drinking water is available free all over the place. All in all, we are mostly just inconvenienced and are trying to not have survivor's guilt after seeing how so many have lost so much in the River Arts District, Biltmore, Swananoa, Black Mountain, and on and on. Thank you for your very well-done video. We still feel blessed to live in this amazing place and community. Oh, and did I mention. We moved here from Key West, FL to get away from hurricanes. Ha ha.
😭😭 I'm so glad everyone is coming together. I haven't been able to get in touch with everyone, my friends I've known since teen years. I heard from them the day after but not since. So worried but I'm so glad everyone is helping each other ❤❤❤
@@j_rainsgoat3929 I believe the National Weather Service in Greenville SC advised "catastrophic" flooding the day before it hit. It wasn't just Helene. There was 8 inches of rain the day before the hurricane arrived
Outstanding reporting. Your team did an excellent job of capturing the destruction and response associated with this incredible storm. In this time of so much division in our country, stories such as yours restore my belief in my fellow Americans. Well done! Keith, Denver, NC
I live here. Just got semi-stable internet and saw this. I sobbed, really, really sobbed, for the first time. So many people are still barely surviving, supressing emotion, and cannot even cry yet to let it out.
I lived in Arden for 10 years and had to leave to take care of family. I have been trying to get my family back to Asheville area for the past 2 years and seeing this makes me miss that area even more. I may not have been born in that area but, it is home for me. Seeing this community come together and work their way through this tragedy shows how much pride and love the citizens of WNC have for their region.
I live in Fairview right down Cane Creek. I’ll never forget the sound of the trees snapping in the wind. The rushing water carrying homes and cars away. I had to hike miles through the trees to rescue my family. We went days trapped after the storm with no way to the outside world. Bodies in the trees and power lines. The sounds of helicopters flying overhead all day. The sounds of chainsaws in the distance. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen up here. Hell on earth.
God Bless you! I can’t imagine what you’ve been through and are still experiencing. I pray that your life returns to what will most likely be a new normal. 🙏🏼❤️
One way that all Americans can help support some of these small communities is to visit them after they are back up and running again. We have a huge country. Take the time to visit and support every inch of it. Don't spend your money going to other countries and fancy Beach resorts in Mexico, or lavish Big cities in other countries, instead take your families, your children and Grand children to some of these beautiful small mountain get-a-ways. They are so full of beautiful people, history, and Natural beauty. The food is freshly made, good home cooking in many places, and the hiking trails and camping, or little cabins in the woods are amazing...Let's keep our money at home, here in America and support the people and businesses of these communities. Help them regrow and rebuild...They are very proud people who want and need a hand u, not a hand out...Working together as Americans I know we can help our fellow man get back up on their feet and live great lives once again...Remember, this could have happened to u, and it still could, so help support each other in times of need. Show your Patriotic American side. We have a wonderful country, get out and see it..I've seen 46 of our 50 states...Support our Americans first, Always.
The US governement robbed me so bad it caused me to not be able to afford to live in the USA. The US government needs to reimburse the retired worker slaves who paid exorbitant taxes for decades which left the retired slaves broke. They need to confiscate the oligrachs Billions like Elon Musk instead of robbing the retired slaves.
Bravo well said. Once back up I will visit every inch as you so brilliantly pointed out. In the meantime I will be there to volunteer with Samaritan’s purse.
Abby! Excellent reporting. I've watched tons of coverage of everything going on in NC, and this is it. This is what people need to see! So upsetting, but so uplifting without politics and all the other stuff involved. Thank you!
Yes, this. I'm so exhausted from being recommended TH-cam videos about this nightmare - only to be watching said video and get told how Biden sucks and Harris sucks and Trump is the only savior we need (or vice versa in some instances). It's so nice to just see news coverage without any spin - even if it's heartbreaking and hard to watch.
I have lived in Fairview NC my entire life. This community truly comes together in times of need like this one, and we all pull together and come through stronger than before. It's going to take a very long time to get things back together. And we will deeply miss those we lost, God bless their families. Hug you're loved one's a little tighter tonight bc everything can change in the blink of an eye.
I Was born In Asheville,I am In Michigan buy I lived In Swannanoa also,I left In 1973,after I Graduated From Charles D Owen In 1972,I lived;Near The Beacon Blanket Factory,They Had a Upper Villge,lower Villiage,Where House Were built,I Haven't been There In Year's;I lived On Bee Tree Rd,also,I Worked at McDonald's On Tunnel Road,Asheville,lived In Biltmore,With my Friend,Sherry Kirby,Then I Came To Michigan but spear alot Of Time In In Swannaoa,God Bless!!❤
This is by far the best coverage of our beloved WNC that I have seen. To my knowledge, our local news station hasn’t done a thing to tell the stories of our friends and neighbors. I am a local small business owner and a lifelong resident of Candler, NC. We, along with many others have been doing everything we can as a business and a family to help as many people as we can. I have been amazed at how well our communities have come together and helped one another. We will persevere, we are the tough mountain people you have read about in the history books!! I tip my hat to you my dear, and thank you for listening to our mountain people!!
Excellent reporting. I had no idea of the devastation in Asheville or Western NC for that matter. I didn't see any National news mention of the impact on Asheville but I could have missed it. Hurricane Helene was much more damaging than I realized. My thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted. Asheville will rebuild and recover from this tragedy. The folks in North Carolina are resilient.
The national news supressed this story, I saw two snippets with almost no coverage, and they were bragging how FEMA was writing checks for $750... laughable. Meanwhile they give checks to Ukraine citizes for 170 billion dollars! NEVER FORGET KAMALA HARRIS DID THIS WITH HER VOTES.
Times like these reveals the true character of our nation. Just like Katrina revealed the character of people in South Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast, WNCers are showing the world what Americans are truly made of: character, grit and determination. Keep on coming back! God Bless y'all!
The others may not understand what you are saying but I get it, it’s the amount of coverage this particular show was able to show us and not just tiny clips.
I live here in Asheville as well. I'm born and raised here in Asheville. It's hard to see it all on a daily basis. I have shed tears so many times. Community support from us all has been joyful. We all need to continue to stick together. Please continue to share our stories.
This is the best coverage video I’ve seen and I’ve been in biltmore/ swannanoa area since the Friday of the storm. Everyone needs to see this. Thank you
Thank you for this indep respectful compilation of events that occurred in the Ashville community. It's an excellent representation of the level of humanity we as citizens have. ❤❤❤
Best coverage I have seen so far. The journalist was very caring and lots of emotion. I am here in east Tn. I visit Asheville many times a year. What has happened in this area devastating beyond what any can imagine unless you’re here. There are so many communities destroyed in both NC and TN. I know people here in east TN who went to NC to help. It’s not just neighbors helping neighbors, it’s states helping states. This is what America is. We help each other in a time of need.
I called the Samaritan purse today and I talked to a sweet lady named Lee and she lives in Boone North Carolina and she just thanked me for wanting to help and the only way I felt like I could help was to donate money and I specifically said that I wanted it to go to North Carolina and to the people that need it to help them out and I pray that Jesus Christ knows what and why I donated the money and that was to help I just felt so moved by God to do that so I donated what I felt like I could afford and to say God Bless all of you in North Carolina and the disaster victims
I feel so sorry for these people. I lived through Hurricane Sandy in Long Beach, NY. I know how hard is is to bounce back from this. It took many people over 10 years to get insurance to rebuild their houses up on foundations. SOME are still rebuilding. My school was moved to Jamaica, NY for 3 months. I definitely plan on helping out!
And..we the onlookers carry on our daily lives..hopefully with prayer on our lips. I guess the was the same for Ashville even a month ago..watching things unfold elsewhere..then disasters upon them. No one could foresee this. I've listened to a programme on y/tube called Redacted about weather manipulation..stuff been going on for sometime now apparently..could this have been OR is totally nature??
Certainly up for a possible Pulitzer, though I don't think they can win an Emmy? I could be wrong though. Either way, this is an incredible video I found thanks to TH-cam recommending it this morning. I'll be sharing it with everyone I know. Going from crying to smiling in seconds, it's hard but it's needed.
The entire US, in fact the world, should pay attention to how the wonderful and caring people in NC are coming together and helping each other. This is not a one-day thing, it's continuing day after day after day and people are being helped in numerous ways. This video is both heart breaking at what has happened to them, but also full of the hope and caring they are giving to each other. I'm sure this same thing is going on in many other small communities that were devastated by Helene. This is how our great country was built hundreds of years ago - people helping people and doing whatever needed to be done!
I can’t even comprehend the amount of devastation this hurricane has done to North Carolina and Tennessee! Seeing these people coming together trying to assist with what they have to rebuild! This is the true America I belong to!
I’m in central NJ where communities all around me are collecting donations to send down. I imagine other states are doing just the same. It’s heartwarming to see the people of our nation run to help in such devastation. My heart breaks for the folks who lived through this disaster and lost nearly everything. I sincerely hope the news will continue to monitor the progress of cleanup and eventual rebuilding of the towns affected by the floods… we’re all rooting for the towns and town folks!
I live in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, but my son and daughter-in- law live in Asheville. This video is hands down , the best video that shows good old fashioned neighbor helping neighbor that built this country. And your reporting is the best!!! Bravo!
Beautifully done. Thank you. I’ve lived in Asheville for 41 years. It is a special and sacred place. I don’t know how to explain to my friends and family what this is all like. So many don’t understand the depths of the destruction all around us. There are no restaurants, parks, trails, or schools to go to for relief. There is no drinkable water, with the exception of the amazing donations. People from all over the USA are here helping us. We are all so deeply grateful. We have learned, seen, and felt each other’s love, caring, compassion and concern for each other. That’s what really matters. We are a strong people. WNC a will be better than you could ever dream. 🙏🏽💕
This is so heartbreakingly and beautifully expressed. I am so sorry for the loss and struggle you all are facing. Me, my family, our neighborhood and central NC have and will continue collecting donations, bringing/sending donations, volunteering. You are not alone, you won't be left alone, or forgotten. We love those hills and the people in them. You are our friends, our family, and our neighbors, we will keep helping until it is done. Right now in this moment I am sending love, prayers and positive energy to you and all of WNC.
Beautiful comment. I do believe the heart of people here have the love of Jesus in them. Blessings from NZ. Parts of our country know what this County(& other ones) are going through.
This is so sad! I can't even put how I feel into words. I am from central Ga and we got hit pretty hard by this storm in my area but no where near like this. I have visited these areas all of my life. The mountains of north Ga, NC. and TN have been my favorite vacation place all of my life. It is so sad to see this and know its all destroyed. It just breaks my heart. I have been praying for these communities and the residents and i will continue to pray.
Thank you so much for helping the world understand the devastation in our beautiful mountain home. We are in tears, but you did a good job helping the world understand. No one seems to “get it” that you can’t run from landslides and collapsing wet mountains.
Hurricane Helene was far more devastating than the Blizzard of ’93. I remember being stuck in Asheville for work during the blizzard, but within a day or so, I was able to make it home down the mountain. With Helene, though I was fortunate to be safe at home in the foothills, Western NC will always be scarred by the destruction left in its wake.
Thank you for documenting what has happened here. The opening scenes are less than a mile from my home. This has been a horrible tragedy but has also renewed my faith in people and made me love my community more than ever.
Americans helping other Americans regardless of race or ethnicity. This is what makes America great and strong. People who lost everything and are volunteering to help their fellow community members.
We've been volunteering since day 1 in Columbus and opened up a "mission" right away. One thing I noticed for 3 weeks was that one of two people walked through the door: those who needed help, & those who wanted to help. No political, economical, of ethnic division lines at all. Americans helping Americans.
Its truly disgusting how this is not on the news everyday and not headline. I thought we where Americans and we cared for one another. The news was really failed this Country eapecially in the last 8 years. How can they even sleep good at night known all the heart ache that ia going on. What about the children who lost everything also. Thanks for this news showing this atleast.
Thank you so very much to all volunteers helping. The devastation from Helene was horrendous from Florida up. My son lives in Asheville. I didn't hear from him for 3 days and was worried sick. He and his girlfriend are thankfully fine. He couldn't believe how bad it got.
I really appreciate this report. I went to Asheville 6 months ago and so many of the places I visited are either severely damaged or gone. I remember thinking Chimney Rock was so beautiful and I envied the people who lived there. I wonder about all the people I met and it bothers me that I’ll probably never know how they’re doing.
same. I was at Chimnye Rock last fall....fell inlove with it. Ate the best lamb chops from a restaurant by the creek that is no completely gone. So sad!
This is heart breaking, this area is absolutely beautiful.. breaks my heart to see this. Prayers for Asheville and the families and living beings affected by this :-(
I live one and a half hours from where the storm hit. It’s so easily could’ve been us. The way the community is supporting each other and helping everyone is amazing! May the Lord give you all strength to make it through the days ahead. ❤
This was done with great respect for these People. 😢 Can't help but cry when you see what everyone has gone through, their whole lives ripped away within seconds and then to see everyone helping any way they can is just incredible. Thankyou, very well done. ❤
I just visited there and spent most of today viewing the damage and wow these videos and images we are seeing are no where near capturing the pure outright, total destruction that is really in Asheville. Its devastating. Totally devastating
Every country is the same with such tragedies..people getting out & helping others..communities there doing what ever they can for themselves & each other. No country is greater or better in such times..some just have more people around who are able that's all.
Hi Abby, I myself am a hurricane survivor from the monster cat 4 hurricane Andrew way back in 1992, and the brutal cat 3 hurricane Wilma in 2005, both of them in the area of Miami-Dade county if the state of Florida. I can tell you the images shown in this video are very similar from the ones from the disaster we experienced in the aftermath of both hurricanes above mentioned. I believe everything in life happens for a reason and even though we not always understand why they happen we just have to be resilient and get the best out even of a horrifying experieince like the one you have just been through. Your community will eventually be rebuilt from the ashes and life will go back to normal, I have no doubt in my mind about that, but most imprtantly, I am pretty sure that many people up in western NC will never be the same again after such event in thier lives. My prayers and best wishes are with all of those still recovering from the damage caused by the loss of property and lives due to the impact of huricane Helene in ther communities.
Wow the clearing of the bridge with the van under it and the bank is wonderful. What an awesome job you guys. Praying that God will give you the physical strength you need. I know He will give it to you. He gives it to me when i ask for it.
@@melindasmith3713 Well yeah, self-sufficiency and self-preservation have been part of the driving force behind our evolution as far back and beyond of human history. What's so wrong about that?
My heart goes out to all of those involved. It's such a blessing to see so many people stepping up to help each other. FEMA's new camouflage is OUTSTANDING!!! I didn't even see them. Unless you are part of the disinformation and did a really good job editing all their hard work and help out.
I live here in WNC and this storm was the worst, but has brought out the best in the community coming together to help each other out. God bless WNC and it's people as rebuilding will take a long time.
Thank you so much for going and reporting all of this. It shows the truth of what happened and what is happening. Beautiful reporting. It all is so heart breaking. But I know God works out things like this for good.
Abbie and the people at WBIR, much appreciation and love to you and WBIR people for the good job you guys have done. My heart crys for the families and the loved ones that are still missing.
Great job, showing how a disaster can show you what people’s real character actually is!!! When I lived in Knoxville WBIR was the only station I watched for local news, because while everyone else was happy to show all of the bad news and how terrible people are, I could always count on WBIR to show that there is also good in people and to find the angle in a news story that brings Hope! The very BEST local news station I have ever seen! Always made me feel glad and grateful to be living in East Tennessee!
This was a great production: Impactful, compassionate, truthful, even uplifting. I'm an Ashevillian. We need all the help we can get. This was a wonderful addition.
Thank you for this great story of how bad these communities were affected, and how they are coming together. My heart is breaking for my fellow southerners/ Americans. I will continue to pray and do everything I can to help. We will not forget any of ya’ll. ❤️
Im just over the mountains in Greene County, TN from Asheville. We ride our Harley threw all these places that was damaged. Our town was also forever changed but not as bad as Asheville. We are all mountain strong! God be with us all! I love East Tennessee & Western North Carolina. ❤
This was hard to watch without coming to tears. Its heart breaking to see people lose everything and not knowing if your loved one survived. God bless those communities and the relief efforts that continue
Please share this video so people can know what's going on here. It's devastating and beyond comprehension. People have also been coming together to support in so many ways. Asheville 💔
I appreciate your thoughtful and independent compilation of Ashville community events. It's a great illustration of the degree of humanity among us as citizens.
We hauled a lot of feed and hay to areas in need. It is so much worse to see in person than seen on TV. We all come together in times of need, it's good to see Mom and dad on here.
Dear father God help these people! In times like this, even though the devastation is horrific, the love and the community helping each other is unbelievable and amazing!
I am an insurance adjuster in NC. I have been hearing these stories for days… exhausted from the mandatory overtime hours we have had to put in to be available to help those in need. I cried at least several times per day the first few days and then I felt numb. The fear and devastation in their voices, the relief they felt from finally being able to reach out to speak to someone, and finally the strength it took for them to describe the horrific event they survived when many people close to them did not has changed me forever. It has changed my outlook on life, the gratitude I have and show daily, and the dedication I have for my job. It saddens and frustrates me that I cannot help everyone but I can do my part to be present and available to help each individual I can. I am in awe of how the community has come together and I am so very proud of NC. The state in which I was born and raised my entire life in. I pray that your livelihood will soon be returned to some semblance of comfort and normalcy and I pray that you have peace and protection until then. ❤
You're doing well..keep it up..stay strong. Pray God bless you throughout to keep being the blessing you are!
And then you deny their claim.
@@200cdlwas that necessary…..no❗️
@@200cdlPeople like you hasn't learned anything from this. Grow up
@@200cdlshe doesn’t have that much power keyboard warrior, chill
Seeing people who have lost everything still selflessly serving their communities is so beautiful.
What amazing people ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@Jaxxie1981....this is when you see friends come to help, a good lunch made of canned food...it feels like the best lunch..I just hope they find everyone safe...❤
Some people have amazing hearts ❤
That is America...not just United States.
And then there’s our Federal Government, who’s “lost everything” (that wasn’t stolen or given away) and is STILL not helping……
I’m here in Lake Lure NC and I have to say this is the best coverage I’ve seen so far. I cried and then smiled many times. I am so grateful for my life and my family. Volunteering has helped me and the ppl who are serving are helping us all heal. My heart goes out to all my neighbors in WNC. Yes, we are all neighbors here, to love and help one another. Let’s do what we can for each other. Thank you for this video and each story and person you chose. Thank you from my heart for telling our story well.
How can I help from WV? What do you and everyone need? I'm in Fairmont and can try to coordinate getting you supplies via the fire department. What? Say it and somehow I will get it!
Also, I'm off work November 21 for a week. If you can use help and I can get thru, PLEASE let me know! It's not much but I'm praying as well.
Can I ask you what you mean by "the best coverage" ?
Me too
United, we stand divided.We fall.This is what America is all about communities.Churches family friends strangers all coming together.
God bless you all...
Im in Lake Lure as well. I agree that getting out and us helping each other has been the best for starting healing. I have been so amazed and humbled by the huge outpouring of love, and support we have received in our community. Its been overwhelming, and beautiful. I've never seen in my 41 yrs of life, people come together as they have now during this. Thank you everyone.
The entire country should see this video. People would change their lives and come together with unity in their community!
That’s exactly what they ARE doing & what they ALWAYS do in times like this. Think about WHO was paid to help and DID NOT!!! Think about WHO this doesn’t bother----
@@christip20 He didn’t even know about NC and then Milton happened and it almost felt like NC was being forgotten on the media. …… I just seen a clip of Biden calling Kamala the president. She’s definitely not there either. They are both poisonous ☠️ 🥶 people
Yes, this needs to go viral!
They would wish too but it’s more challenging in big cities.
God don't like ugly. Everything happens for a reason
In North Asheville, being well above the river, we were spared the worst. We had lots of big trees and power lines down, roads blocked, and loss of all services, but this amazing community has rallied and pulled together. I know all of my neighbors so much better now, as we have come together to share food and supplies, haul water for those who can't, clear trees, etc. The nearby JCC pool is giving away pool water for dishes and bathing. Many are using the local creeks. We have repurposed the water in our cold plunge for the same purposes and the flood water in our basement has come in handy for flushing toilets. Drinking water is available free all over the place. All in all, we are mostly just inconvenienced and are trying to not have survivor's guilt after seeing how so many have lost so much in the River Arts District, Biltmore, Swananoa, Black Mountain, and on and on. Thank you for your very well-done video. We still feel blessed to live in this amazing place and community. Oh, and did I mention. We moved here from Key West, FL to get away from hurricanes. Ha ha.
😭😭 I'm so glad everyone is coming together. I haven't been able to get in touch with everyone, my friends I've known since teen years. I heard from them the day after but not since. So worried but I'm so glad everyone is helping each other ❤❤❤
Did they predict the hurricane and flooding days before it hit?
@@j_rainsgoat3929 I believe the National Weather Service in Greenville SC advised "catastrophic" flooding the day before it hit. It wasn't just Helene. There was 8 inches of rain the day before the hurricane arrived
Stay safe my friend.
@@j_rainsgoat3929suspicious ?
Outstanding reporting. Your team did an excellent job of capturing the destruction and response associated with this incredible storm. In this time of so much division in our country, stories such as yours restore my belief in my fellow Americans. Well done! Keith, Denver, NC
I live here. Just got semi-stable internet and saw this. I sobbed, really, really sobbed, for the first time. So many people are still barely surviving, supressing emotion, and cannot even cry yet to let it out.
❤❤❤
I lived in Arden for 10 years and had to leave to take care of family. I have been trying to get my family back to Asheville area for the past 2 years and seeing this makes me miss that area even more. I may not have been born in that area but, it is home for me. Seeing this community come together and work their way through this tragedy shows how much pride and love the citizens of WNC have for their region.
Hickory area here.... thinking about y'all a lot the past 2 weeks. Keep your heads up and know that there are a lot of people praying for you.
So very sorry for all you are ALL going through 😢
I’m still praying for you all. 🙏🏻
I live in Fairview right down Cane Creek. I’ll never forget the sound of the trees snapping in the wind. The rushing water carrying homes and cars away. I had to hike miles through the trees to rescue my family. We went days trapped after the storm with no way to the outside world. Bodies in the trees and power lines. The sounds of helicopters flying overhead all day. The sounds of chainsaws in the distance. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen up here. Hell on earth.
God Bless you! I can’t imagine what you’ve been through and are still experiencing. I pray that your life returns to what will most likely be a new normal. 🙏🏼❤️
One way that all Americans can help support some of these small communities is to visit them after they are back up and running again. We have a huge country. Take the time to visit and support every inch of it. Don't spend your money going to other countries and fancy Beach resorts in Mexico, or lavish Big cities in other countries, instead take your families, your children and Grand children to some of these beautiful small mountain get-a-ways. They are so full of beautiful people, history, and Natural beauty. The food is freshly made, good home cooking in many places, and the hiking trails and camping, or little cabins in the woods are amazing...Let's keep our money at home, here in America and support the people and businesses of these communities. Help them regrow and rebuild...They are very proud people who want and need a hand u, not a hand out...Working together as Americans I know we can help our fellow man get back up on their feet and live great lives once again...Remember, this could have happened to u, and it still could, so help support each other in times of need. Show your Patriotic American side. We have a wonderful country, get out and see it..I've seen 46 of our 50 states...Support our Americans first, Always.
The US governement robbed me so bad it caused me to not be able to afford to live in the USA. The US government needs to reimburse the retired worker slaves who paid exorbitant taxes for decades which left the retired slaves broke. They need to confiscate the oligrachs Billions like Elon Musk instead of robbing the retired slaves.
Bravo well said. Once back up I will visit every inch as you so brilliantly pointed out.
In the meantime I will be there to volunteer with Samaritan’s purse.
Wow. All need to hear your words.
@@ddellano7273 Right on ✌️
I will absolutely do what you suggest see you all soon!! Good luck, prayers to all
Abby! Excellent reporting. I've watched tons of coverage of everything going on in NC, and this is it. This is what people need to see! So upsetting, but so uplifting without politics and all the other stuff involved. Thank you!
Yes, this. I'm so exhausted from being recommended TH-cam videos about this nightmare - only to be watching said video and get told how Biden sucks and Harris sucks and Trump is the only savior we need (or vice versa in some instances). It's so nice to just see news coverage without any spin - even if it's heartbreaking and hard to watch.
This reporting is definitely Pulitzer Prize worthy. Great reporting.
I have lived in Fairview NC my entire life. This community truly comes together in times of need like this one, and we all pull together and come through stronger than before. It's going to take a very long time to get things back together. And we will deeply miss those we lost, God bless their families. Hug you're loved one's a little tighter tonight bc everything can change in the blink of an eye.
Qué bonitas palabras y amor ❤️ a su comunidad ❤❤❤
Whoever does y'all video editing and putting this video together, needs a raise! Great work.
Swannanoa resident here just wanted to say this was really really well done. ❤️❤️ Thank you.
I Was born In Asheville,I am In Michigan buy I lived In Swannanoa also,I left In 1973,after I Graduated From Charles D Owen In 1972,I lived;Near The Beacon Blanket Factory,They Had a Upper Villge,lower Villiage,Where House Were built,I Haven't been There In Year's;I lived On Bee Tree Rd,also,I Worked at McDonald's On Tunnel Road,Asheville,lived In Biltmore,With my Friend,Sherry Kirby,Then I Came To Michigan but spear alot Of Time In In Swannaoa,God Bless!!❤
This is by far the best coverage of our beloved WNC that I have seen. To my knowledge, our local news station hasn’t done a thing to tell the stories of our friends and neighbors. I am a local small business owner and a lifelong resident of Candler, NC. We, along with many others have been doing everything we can as a business and a family to help as many people as we can. I have been amazed at how well our communities have come together and helped one another. We will persevere, we are the tough mountain people you have read about in the history books!! I tip my hat to you my dear, and thank you for listening to our mountain people!!
Excellent reporting. I had no idea of the devastation in Asheville or Western NC for that matter. I didn't see any National news mention of the impact on Asheville but I could have missed it. Hurricane Helene was much more damaging than I realized. My thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted. Asheville will rebuild and recover from this tragedy. The folks in North Carolina are resilient.
It was all over the national news. But then I followed it because I have family there.
@@janetsthomas It was on for 5 minutes, lied about federal response and went on to the next shiny thing.
The national news supressed this story, I saw two snippets with almost no coverage, and they were bragging how FEMA was writing checks for $750... laughable. Meanwhile they give checks to Ukraine citizes for 170 billion dollars! NEVER FORGET KAMALA HARRIS DID THIS WITH HER VOTES.
Times like these reveals the true character of our nation. Just like Katrina revealed the character of people in South Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast, WNCers are showing the world what Americans are truly made of: character, grit and determination. Keep on coming back!
God Bless y'all!
@@williamlyons3947 So where do you live? How immune are you to natural disasters?
Thank you for showing what mainstream media IS NOT!
You mean WBIR 10, NBC is not main stream media? Learn something new everyday even if it’s wrong.
This literally is NBC news.
It’s on all the news what are you talking about
The others may not understand what you are saying but I get it, it’s the amount of coverage this particular show was able to show us and not just tiny clips.
@@jenricardo9905 Thank you. That was what I was meaning. Only tiny clips here and there.
Real reporting! Thank-you! This is Heartbreaking! Never Forget!
thank you WBIR for showing this
I live here in Asheville as well. I'm born and raised here in Asheville. It's hard to see it all on a daily basis. I have shed tears so many times. Community support from us all has been joyful. We all need to continue to stick together. Please continue to share our stories.
Thank you all so much for making this video!
Thanks for doing this it shows how much people are coming together and not fighting that means alot ❤
Black Americans aren't coming to together with y all
From Australia … thinking of you all … be safe in the aftermath and stay positive.
Thank you so much for actual journalism!
This is the best coverage video I’ve seen and I’ve been in biltmore/ swannanoa area since the Friday of the storm. Everyone needs to see this. Thank you
Thank you for this indep respectful compilation of events that occurred in the Ashville community. It's an excellent representation of the level of humanity we as citizens have. ❤❤❤
Best coverage I have seen so far. The journalist was very caring and lots of emotion. I am here in east Tn. I visit Asheville many times a year. What has happened in this area devastating beyond what any can imagine unless you’re here. There are so many communities destroyed in both NC and TN. I know people here in east TN who went to NC to help. It’s not just neighbors helping neighbors, it’s states helping states. This is what America is. We help each other in a time of need.
Made me cry. My heart goes out to you Asheville. I donated money cause even if I'm not there, I want to help. We all do. Sending LOVE ~
Thank you. 🙏🏽💕
Yeah. Me, too. I'm in Florida. I didn't give a dime to any political campaigns. Their advertising costs aren't my problem.
I called the Samaritan purse today and I talked to a sweet lady named Lee and she lives in Boone North Carolina and she just thanked me for wanting to help and the only way I felt like I could help was to donate money and I specifically said that I wanted it to go to North Carolina and to the people that need it to help them out and I pray that Jesus Christ knows what and why I donated the money and that was to help I just felt so moved by God to do that so I donated what I felt like I could afford and to say God Bless all of you in North Carolina and the disaster victims
KEEP DONATING YALL
@@bigaaron To Whom????
I feel so sorry for these people. I lived through Hurricane Sandy in Long Beach, NY. I know how hard is is to bounce back from this. It took many people over 10 years to get insurance to rebuild their houses up on foundations. SOME are still rebuilding. My school was moved to Jamaica, NY for 3 months. I definitely plan on helping out!
And..we the onlookers carry on our daily lives..hopefully with prayer on our lips.
I guess the was the same for Ashville even a month ago..watching things unfold elsewhere..then disasters upon them.
No one could foresee this.
I've listened to a programme on y/tube called Redacted about weather manipulation..stuff been going on for sometime now apparently..could this have been OR is totally nature??
@@yvonnerahui8729 Totally natural
Thank you for this segment! Excellent reporting!
This might win an Emmy. Thanks for this
Certainly up for a possible Pulitzer, though I don't think they can win an Emmy? I could be wrong though. Either way, this is an incredible video I found thanks to TH-cam recommending it this morning. I'll be sharing it with everyone I know. Going from crying to smiling in seconds, it's hard but it's needed.
Outstanding reporting, thank you.
The entire US, in fact the world, should pay attention to how the wonderful and caring people in NC are coming together and helping each other. This is not a one-day thing, it's continuing day after day after day and people are being helped in numerous ways. This video is both heart breaking at what has happened to them, but also full of the hope and caring they are giving to each other. I'm sure this same thing is going on in many other small communities that were devastated by Helene. This is how our great country was built hundreds of years ago - people helping people and doing whatever needed to be done!
I can’t even comprehend the amount of devastation this hurricane has done to North Carolina and Tennessee! Seeing these people coming together trying to assist with what they have to rebuild! This is the true America I belong to!
WNC resident here- well done ❤
This video just makes your heart feel so good. God IS with us!
Blessings to ALL. ♥️🙏😇
And those people are with God.
you captured more than any main stream media. Thank you, this should be shown to many people!!
I’m in central NJ where communities all around me are collecting donations to send down. I imagine other states are doing just the same. It’s heartwarming to see the people of our nation run to help in such devastation. My heart breaks for the folks who lived through this disaster and lost nearly everything. I sincerely hope the news will continue to monitor the progress of cleanup and eventual rebuilding of the towns affected by the floods… we’re all rooting for the towns and town folks!
Thank you !
I live in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, but my son and daughter-in- law live in Asheville. This video is hands down , the best video that shows good old fashioned neighbor helping neighbor that built this country. And your reporting is the best!!! Bravo!
Amazing coverage and hope!
Beautifully done. Thank you. I’ve lived in Asheville for 41 years. It is a special and sacred place. I don’t know how to explain to my friends and family what this is all like. So many don’t understand the depths of the destruction all around us. There are no restaurants, parks, trails, or schools to go to for relief. There is no drinkable water, with the exception of the amazing donations. People from all over the USA are here helping us. We are all so deeply grateful. We have learned, seen, and felt each other’s love, caring, compassion and concern for each other. That’s what really matters. We are a strong people. WNC a will be better than you could ever dream. 🙏🏽💕
Both so tragic and incredibly uplifting. Thanks for this report.
This is so heartbreakingly and beautifully expressed. I am so sorry for the loss and struggle you all are facing. Me, my family, our neighborhood and central NC have and will continue collecting donations, bringing/sending donations, volunteering. You are not alone, you won't be left alone, or forgotten. We love those hills and the people in them. You are our friends, our family, and our neighbors, we will keep helping until it is done. Right now in this moment I am sending love, prayers and positive energy to you and all of WNC.
Beautiful comment. I do believe the heart of people here have the love of Jesus in them.
Blessings from NZ. Parts of our country know what this County(& other ones) are going through.
This is so sad! I can't even put how I feel into words. I am from central Ga and we got hit pretty hard by this storm in my area but no where near like this. I have visited these areas all of my life. The mountains of north Ga, NC. and TN have been my favorite vacation place all of my life. It is so sad to see this and know its all destroyed. It just breaks my heart. I have been praying for these communities and the residents and i will continue to pray.
@@kelliajackson7 So TRUE. I think God is it OFFERING us a BETTER place VERY soon.🙏
Thank you so much for helping the world understand the devastation in our beautiful mountain home. We are in tears, but you did a good job helping the world understand. No one seems to “get it” that you can’t run from landslides and collapsing wet mountains.
Hurricane Helene was far more devastating than the Blizzard of ’93. I remember being stuck in Asheville for work during the blizzard, but within a day or so, I was able to make it home down the mountain. With Helene, though I was fortunate to be safe at home in the foothills, Western NC will always be scarred by the destruction left in its wake.
🙏🏻
Seeing this community pulling together, I will continue to donate.
As an Asheville resident, thank you for seeing us❤
Thank you for documenting what has happened here. The opening scenes are less than a mile from my home. This has been a horrible tragedy but has also renewed my faith in people and made me love my community more than ever.
Beautiful coverage. Ty WBIR and Abby
Americans helping other Americans regardless of race or ethnicity. This is what makes America great and strong. People who lost everything and are volunteering to help their fellow community members.
We've been volunteering since day 1 in Columbus and opened up a "mission" right away. One thing I noticed for 3 weeks was that one of two people walked through the door: those who needed help, & those who wanted to help. No political, economical, of ethnic division lines at all. Americans helping Americans.
Beautiful documentary and so inspiring. Thank you for putting this together!
Thank you for shining a light on this wonderful community 💖
Its truly disgusting how this is not on the news everyday and not headline. I thought we where Americans and we cared for one another. The news was really failed this Country eapecially in the last 8 years. How can they even sleep good at night known all the heart ache that ia going on. What about the children who lost everything also. Thanks for this news showing this atleast.
If it was a Joe state they would have got loads of help. It's disgusting how they see some states as less.
The last four years
Thank you so very much to all volunteers helping. The devastation from Helene was horrendous from Florida up. My son lives in Asheville. I didn't hear from him for 3 days and was worried sick. He and his girlfriend are thankfully fine. He couldn't believe how bad it got.
I really appreciate this report. I went to Asheville 6 months ago and so many of the places I visited are either severely damaged or gone. I remember thinking Chimney Rock was so beautiful and I envied the people who lived there. I wonder about all the people I met and it bothers me that I’ll probably never know how they’re doing.
same. I was at Chimnye Rock last fall....fell inlove with it. Ate the best lamb chops from a restaurant by the creek that is no completely gone. So sad!
This is heart breaking, this area is absolutely beautiful.. breaks my heart to see this. Prayers for Asheville and the families and living beings affected by this :-(
Thank you so much for sharing this with everyone. We must keep our fellow citizens in our thoughts and prayers. ❤🙏🌈
I live one and a half hours from where the storm hit. It’s so easily could’ve been us. The way the community is supporting each other and helping everyone is amazing! May the Lord give you all strength to make it through the days ahead. ❤
Great reporting on the people surviving the disastrous flooding caused by hurricane Helene.
This was done with great respect for these People. 😢 Can't help but cry when you see what everyone has gone through, their whole lives ripped away within seconds and then to see everyone helping any way they can is just incredible. Thankyou, very well done. ❤
I just visited there and spent most of today viewing the damage and wow these videos and images we are seeing are no where near capturing the pure outright, total destruction that is really in Asheville. Its devastating. Totally devastating
Stellar reporting! Thank you!
This is what makes America GREAT!
Every country is the same with such tragedies..people getting out & helping others..communities there doing what ever they can for themselves & each other. No country is greater or better in such times..some just have more people around who are able that's all.
Hi Abby, I myself am a hurricane survivor from the monster cat 4 hurricane Andrew way back in 1992, and the brutal cat 3 hurricane Wilma in 2005, both of them in the area of Miami-Dade county if the state of Florida. I can tell you the images shown in this video are very similar from the ones from the disaster we experienced in the aftermath of both hurricanes above mentioned. I believe everything in life happens for a reason and even though we not always understand why they happen we just have to be resilient and get the best out even of a horrifying experieince like the one you have just been through. Your community will eventually be rebuilt from the ashes and life will go back to normal, I have no doubt in my mind about that, but most imprtantly, I am pretty sure that many people up in western NC will never be the same again after such event in thier lives. My prayers and best wishes are with all of those still recovering from the damage caused by the loss of property and lives due to the impact of huricane Helene in ther communities.
Wow the clearing of the bridge with the van under it and the bank is wonderful. What an awesome job you guys. Praying that God will give you the physical strength you need. I know He will give it to you. He gives it to me when i ask for it.
They did it for their own community ...their selves .
Jesus Encounter Ministries TH-cam channel++
@@melindasmith3713 Well yeah, self-sufficiency and self-preservation have been part of the driving force behind our evolution as far back and beyond of human history. What's so wrong about that?
@@lastvestiges nothing
This is what life is all about. Love, kindness, generosity of spirit. What an incredible documentary ! thank you.
Thank you for this insightful, heartbreakingly beautiful, emotional coverage... our hearts go out to everyone impacted. Hope to help in the recovery
Thank you for not forgetting Helene.
My heart goes out to all of those involved. It's such a blessing to see so many people stepping up to help each other.
FEMA's new camouflage is OUTSTANDING!!! I didn't even see them. Unless you are part of the disinformation and did a really good job editing all their hard work and help out.
Thank you so much for your hard work to bring this video. Thank you.
I live here in WNC and this storm was the worst, but has brought out the best in the community coming together to help each other out. God bless WNC and it's people as rebuilding will take a long time.
I wish you and everyone involved, blessings towards your future. 😊
Thank you for your coverage 😊excellent news about the hurt in these people. This is a community coming together.
Thank you so much for going and reporting all of this. It shows the truth of what happened and what is happening. Beautiful reporting. It all is so heart breaking. But I know God works out things like this for good.
Asheville, you’re strong and inspirational. We will be back to visit (from VA). 😊Bless you and stay strong.
So much love to all of you struggling through this catastrophic event.
Abbie and the people at WBIR, much appreciation and love to you and WBIR people for the good job you guys have done. My heart crys for the families and the loved ones that are still missing.
You are an example how we all should be. God bless you. We still pray for you all.
Jesus Encounter Ministries TH-cam channel++
This is the American way. Not division or hatred. Love your neighbor like you love yourself. That's America and our way. We wont go back!
This is extremely saddening to watch my heart goes out to all the families
Great job, showing how a disaster can show you what people’s real character actually is!!! When I lived in Knoxville WBIR was the only station I watched for local news, because while everyone else was happy to show all of the bad news and how terrible people are, I could always count on WBIR to show that there is also good in people and to find the angle in a news story that brings Hope! The very BEST local news station I have ever seen! Always made me feel glad and grateful to be living in East Tennessee!
Praying for NC,TN 🙏
And thank you for sharing this amazing journal. ❤️🩹
This was a great production: Impactful, compassionate, truthful, even uplifting. I'm an Ashevillian. We need all the help we can get. This was a wonderful addition.
Thank you for this great story of how bad these communities were affected, and how they are coming together. My heart is breaking for my fellow southerners/ Americans. I will continue to pray and do everything I can to help. We will not forget any of ya’ll. ❤️
I am a former resident of Asheville & still have friends there. This is a great video, thank you ❤
Love and prayers to all of you in Asheville. May God bless you as you continue to help each other. You folks are inspiring!
God bless them? Really? God just wiped out their community. No one more dumb than a Christian who thinks God answers prayers.
Im just over the mountains in Greene County, TN from Asheville. We ride our Harley threw all these places that was damaged. Our town was also forever changed but not as bad as Asheville. We are all mountain strong! God be with us all! I love East Tennessee & Western North Carolina. ❤
This was hard to watch without coming to tears. Its heart breaking to see people lose everything and not knowing if your loved one survived. God bless those communities and the relief efforts that continue
heartwarming❤ we’re in Franklin NC and we’re spared.
don’t let the hard days win❤🙏🏻
Good reporting.
Tears of 💔 for the lives lost and the devastating destruction😢 and tears of joy how everyone joined together to help each other ❤
Please share this video so people can know what's going on here. It's devastating and beyond comprehension. People have also been coming together to support in so many ways. Asheville 💔
Superb reporting. This is a historical document that needed to be made. Bravo👏👏👏
GOD BLESS YOU ALL,
THANK YOU FOR GETTING THIS OUT.❤
Jesus Encounter Ministries TH-cam channel++
Watching a news story that doesn’t show human beings, being horrible to each other and end in gloom and doom.. Unusual and refreshing Thx!
I appreciate your thoughtful and independent compilation of Ashville community events. It's a great illustration of the degree of humanity among us as citizens.
We hauled a lot of feed and hay to areas in need.
It is so much worse to see in person than seen on TV.
We all come together in times of need, it's good to see Mom and dad on here.
As sad as it is to see all of the destruction, it does my heart so good to see people taking care of each other.
Dear father God help these people! In times like this, even though the devastation is horrific, the love and the community helping each other is unbelievable and amazing!
Beautiful documentary, thank you for making this and sharing the struggles and resilience of the Asheville people!! Much Love ❤
Just phenomenal. Amazing people in the face of disaster. Hope the federal government and agencies can get in there. Best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪