Citizen Times reporter Ryley Ober kayaked approximately 20 miles of the Swannanoa River to document the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The storm had devastating effects on the Swannanoa Valley, with homes destroyed, debris scattered, and lives lost. The floodwaters brought on by the storm wreaked havoc in the region, with trees mangled, cars crushed, and houses toppled. In the aftermath, volunteers and neighbors came together to assist those affected by the storm, providing food, shelter, and support.
The force of the flooding was especially intense in areas like Botany Woods and the KOA campground, where homes were swept away and residents had to be rescued from rooftops and trees. The river rose rapidly, reaching over three stories high, and wreaked havoc on the landscape. The community came together to provide aid and comfort to those in need, with makeshift shelters set up and food cooked for the newly homeless.
Despite the destruction, residents of Swannanoa showed resilience and kindness in the face of tragedy. Neighbors helped each other, volunteers worked tirelessly to assist those in need, and the community came together to support one another. As the river slowly began to return to its usual calm state, the scars of Helene’s impact remained, serving as a reminder of the strength and solidarity of the people of Swannanoa.
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