Hurricane Helene Death Toll Reaches 227 as Recovery Efforts Intensify in North Carolina

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to at least 227 people as of October 6, marking it as the second deadliest storm in U.S. history, trailing only Hurricane Katrina. As recovery efforts unfold in Asheville, North Carolina, where the storm’s impact was particularly devastating, residents from Lexington and surrounding areas are stepping up to assist.

Jake Miller, the owner of Pipe Surgeon Plumbing, was moved to action after receiving alarming updates from his high school friend, Austin Ridenour, who lives in Asheville. “He just started telling me about how bad it actually was; started sending me pictures and videos of it, and I saw there’s really a significant amount of damage,” Miller explained. Compelled by the extensive destruction he witnessed, he volunteered to deliver vital supplies.

Miller described his experience, saying, “Even in the dark, you could just see the insane amount of destruction that just happened there, houses that were just flattened; cars that were off the side of the road buried in mud from the rivers overrunning.” He joined an influx of workers supporting local agencies in North Carolina and across the country. “There’s work trucks everywhere from every state and water and food distribution points,” Ridenour noted.

During his visit, Miller brought down food and water to assist those affected and helped address plumbing issues where needed. “Probably half of the license plates I saw were out of state, just people who had trailers hooked up to their trucks bringing supplies, whatever they could do to help the community out,” Miller said.

Ridenour appreciated the presence of helpers like Miller during such a challenging time. “He left the other day, and then the other night, I went back to the house alone, and I was like, ‘wow it was nice to have Jake over here with me too and helping out with things,” Ridenour expressed.

As recovery efforts continue, Ridenour advised those willing to help to research the needs of affected communities. Although many basic necessities have been gathered, there are still crucial shortages for items such as batteries, feminine products, diapers, and baby formula.

Efforts to support the hurricane recovery are ongoing, with individuals, businesses, and agencies joining forces to restore the devastated areas and assist those in need.