What The Mud Took
By Max Feliu
Daniel Wright had two minutes to evacuate his home of 20 years when the most powerful Atlantic hurricane since Katrina struck Western North Carolina in September 2024. Hours later, a river of toxic mud consumed everything his family had built.
After receiving a text alerting him that the North Fork Dam was partially breached, Daniel Wright knew he needed to evacuate. He urged his his family to get in the car. He then navigated through five feet of water to reach a nearby church, where hundreds had already taken shelter.
It had been raining for days before Helene swept through entire mountain towns in Western North Carolina. The mountains funneled the water in to the valleys, concentrating Helene’s rains into the communities below. The storm’s heavy winds triggered dozens of landslides that cut off roads and power. Many residents lacked adequate home insurance protections and had nothing to rebuild their homes.
One month after Helene tore through the mountains, communities such as Swannanoa N.C., remain transformed. As relief efforts aim to preserve the town’s resilience, residents approach a new normal that will be difficult to become accustomed to.
“It was the overall sense of helplessness against the forces of nature,” Wright said. “The concern about my home, my livelihood and about the people that were missing.”
Hundreds went missing during the initial hours following the storm. Wright recalls seeing his neighbors stranded on rooftops waiting to be rescued, some clinging to floating debris as the current swept through them downstream. The Swannanoa River flooded more than 26 feet, leaving most buildings in the valley submerged in the mud-caked waters.
After almost three days, the waters receded below the flood line in the late afternoon of
Sep. 28. The true recovery began, as community members faced a long process that would take them years. For many North Carolinians, Hurricane Helene began the painful journey of starting their lives over.
“Either you let an event like that break you, finish you off, become the end of you, or you let it define who you are,” Wright said. “You go ahead and accept what this is and you start right then.”
*AI partially contributed in creating this animation
Despite the struggles Western North Carolina has faced, communities have rallied together. In a joint effort of state-led and private volunteering initiatives, thousands have come to the devastated areas to provide relief. Volunteers have been essential in helping neighbors gut homes, clear roadways and provide free hot meals and distribute essential supplies to families still struggling to recover.
Among the organizations helping Wright rebuild, Samaritan's Purse played a crucial role - volunteers spent days shoveling thick mud from his home. Without these efforts, Wright would have a hard time even starting to rebuild his home.
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Jodie Yoder, Program Manager of US Disaster Relief for Samaritan’s Purse, says the scale of volunteer response has been unprecedented, with helpers arriving from across the country and internationally. Samaritan’s Purse alone has consistently worked with more than 700 volunteers a day. She spoke about how organizations work together to ensure their work doesn’t overlap.
“We go door to door to make sure that each house is contractor-ready to be rebuilt,” Yoder said. “We actively work with the other organizations in the region to make sure that we don’t step over anyone else’s work.”
Wright's home now stands stripped to its wooden skeleton, with bare studs exposed after dozens of volunteers helped remove water-logged drywall and insulation. He had to throw nearly everything he owned away into a growing pile of debris at the curb in front of his property.
“Some of those things you can't replace,” Wright says. “My kids have spent 20 years and it’s the only house they've ever lived in. Every single thing they own or have made is in there.”
As months pass, the people of Western North Carolina will face unique challenges in their recovery. Unlike coastal hurricanes, Helene devastated a mountain region where harsh winters and rugged terrain complicate rebuilding efforts. Dan Robitaille, Executive Officer of Savage Freedoms Relief Operations, expresses major concerns ahead of the region’s coldest months.
“Winter is coming,” he said. “There will be hypothermic deaths if we don’t get people into shelter.”
Hurricane Helene Timeline
Following the impact and aftermath in Western North Carolina
Heavy Rainfall Begins
Days of continuous rain begin falling across Western North Carolina, saturating the ground before Hurricane Helene's arrival.
Early Warning Signs
Daniel Wright notices severe wind and rain conditions, leading his family to begin packing essentials for possible evacuation.
Emergency Evacuation
Wright receives alert about North Fork Dam breach. His family evacuates within two minutes, driving through 2-3 feet of water to reach a nearby church.
Historic Flooding
The Swannanoa River rises more than 27 feet, submerging most buildings in the valley in toxic waters. Residents are stranded on rooftops waiting for rescue.
Waters Begin to Recede
After almost three days, flood waters finally begin to recede below the flood line in the late afternoon, revealing extensive damage.
One Month Later
Communities remain transformed. Residents like Wright work to rebuild while relief organizations like Samaritan's Purse assist with cleanup efforts.
Winter Concerns Emerge
Relief workers express urgent concerns about approaching winter, warning of potential hypothermia risks for displaced residents still living in temporary shelters.
Cayte Gowan, who serves free meals to residents in need, expresses concerns of people forgetting about the people of Swannanoa. Fighting public amnesia will be the community’s most difficult task as national attention will continue to fade.
“My biggest concern, especially for the people of Swannanoa, is that we’re going to get forgotten,” Gowan said. “The word needs to go out. People need to be aware of what’s going on.”