The Day the Mountain Gave Way

I have struggled to put down the words that express the feelings I have about the effect Hurricane Helene had on Western North Carolina but just had to say something.

Noah’s Arc couldn’t have withstood the effects of Hurricane Helene when the heavy rains settled over The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The already saturated ground could no longer hold and in a short amount of time the water rose to dangerous levels causing sides of the mountain to rumble and roll, carrying death and destruction in its wake. 

 

Like sitting ducks the mountain folk, drinking coffee with neighbors or chatting by the fireside as they waited out the storm, were ill prepared for the onslaught. Living so many miles from the coast, they felt confident that the hurricane would begin to die out before reaching them. What they didn’t know was the rain would carry with it tons of water filling the rivers to overflowing and crushing everything and everybody in sight.

 

Heart wrenching stories of those who struggled and so many who perished have left the entire state in mourning. Beloved towns like Chimney Rock are completely wiped out. Lake Lure, where one of the most iconic scenes in the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed, resembles photos of sites of apocalyptic proportion. It will take months and even years to rebuild.  Billions of dollars worth of damage is estimated to be the cost but it will never replace the loss of lives nor erase the horrible memories survivors will have to bear. 

 

May God have mercy on the people of Western Carolina and give them strength To face another day. May he watch over them and fill them with the kind of love that only he can bestow. May he greet those dearly departed with open arms and grant them peace. Amen

Reviews

[MsJewel]

This was such a terrible event. The people of Western Carolina are in my prayers. Well done Dara :) Julie

[Dara]

Thank you Julie. It’s wonderful to see you here. Your time and review mean so much. I wrote this quickly so my heart is on my sleeve here but my words only touch the surface of the devastation.

The people of Appalachia are very strong. They will do what it takes to build back but it’s going to take a long time. Take care!

[Gee]

We have seen the tv footage of the carnage, so ,so sorry for all of you folk having to live through this.
Cannot say I enjoyed reading this even though it is well written.
Take care Dara

[Dara]

It’s really hard to make sense of all this although global warming is said to have a part in it. Yet, with so many sad stories and explicit videos going around, there are a few glimmers of hope and consolation. Here is a link to an uplifting video showing an example of the Cajun Navy stepping in on horseback and using mules to carry supplies to out of reach areas. They are also using goats to get through rough terrain. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. It means a lot to hear from others. Take care!

https://youtu.be/3rUEHPpC--s?si=9-WxCHBS3wr_VES7

[Twilight]

A nice piece of writing. Sadly though, a factual account of a terrible event, in your beautiful and magnificent country; the USA. But, your citizens have a tendency to come through whatever; and carry on with their lives. So, whilst not technically a story; worth remembering that stories can be true (like this one)? Whilst I consider myself to be agnostic these days, I still appreciated the words dedicated to God; right at the end. In today's modern societies, it can be challenging to share faith openly. This is a fitting tribute, to those who didn't make it through the disaster too.

[Dara]

Your support of my country in light of this tragedy and considering all the political turmoil we are going through is very encouraging. I so appreciate you taking the time to read my story and commenting on it.

True the USA has gone through a plethora of chaotic events and seem to pull through somehow. I don’t usually make a habit of expressing my faith in public but sometimes there is nothing else to do but pray for the strength to keep going.

So great to meet you. I look forward to reading your work as well. Take care!

[Arundass TP]

Beautiful writing. Enjoyed reading

[Dara]

Thank you. Please keep the people in your thoughts. They have a very long recovery ahead. 🙏🏻

[Samuel Dickens]

I've only seen news reports of the damage, which appear devastating, but know it must be even worse. How sad to lose so much, especially the human cost. I'm truly, truly sorry.

[Dara]

Thank you Sam. This was unlike anything we’ve ever seen in this part of the state. Acts of heroism and all the “ helpers” as Mr. Rogers would say, have truly touched the hearts of us all amidst the tragedy. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my spur of the moment write and adding your words of comfort. Take care!