Current:Home > InvestSon treks 11 miles through Hurricane Helene devastation to check on North Carolina parents -VitalWealth Strategies
Son treks 11 miles through Hurricane Helene devastation to check on North Carolina parents
View
Date:2025-04-14 09:46:27
Sam Perkins only had one thing on his mind when he decided to trek through the utter devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina: make sure his parents were safe.
Perkins was “drowning in worry” because he hadn’t heard from his parents in 48 hours following the storm’s historic landfall in Florida and other regions across the Southeast. By Saturday, he couldn't wait any longer.
Perkins had to hike 11 miles with 2,200 feet of elevation gain to reach his mom and dad's home in the mountains, which is usually “pleasantly very isolated,” Perkins shared in a Facebook post.
The “absolute gem” of a home, according to Perkins, is nestled between an unincorporated community and a couple of towns halfway between Asheville and Boone.
“Little did I know that up there, Helene has demolished roads, homes and utility networks,” according to Perkins. “This area is completely cut off from resources in every direction.”
After weaving his way across failing roads, deep mudslides and fallen trees, Perkins found that his parents were “thankfully OK but surrounded by devastation.”
“I have never been so relieved to see anyone OK,” Perkins wrote on Sunday.
On the ground:How flood damage is cutting off North Carolina communities from emergency relief
'Know that crews are chipping away,' Perkins says
Perkins came across multiple people, just like his parents, who were “trapped by devastation” on both sides of the highway.
“In this part of the mountains with steep terrain rolling off the Blue Ridge Parkway, not only did water rise, it RAGED to tear up roads, earth and homes,” Perkins wrote. “Then, the winds (I'm certain tornados in some places) have brought down up to half the tree canopy.”
He said he was trying to “process” all that he saw on his journey.
“I've never seen anything like it," he said. "Power is a couple weeks out. I cannot fathom how long it will take ... to repair the curvy roads that hug steep mountainsides with the most amazing views."
All Perkins wants now is for his parents to have the “same basic needs they always provided me − food, water, shelter (house is mostly OK) and the ability to explore! But they can't even leave their home right now.”
Perkins “feels for” everyone who is stuck in the mountains or has family that can't get out.
“It's just a waiting game now … Know that crews are chipping away,” Perkins wrote.
Resources, help available after Hurricane Helene devastates Southeast
President Joe Biden plans to visit the affected regions in the coming days, heading to North Carolina first to take an aerial tour of the damaged areas before making his way to Florida and then Georgia.
Over a million people were without electricity, hundreds of others were still missing and 100 people were confirmed dead on Monday, days Helene made its devastating landfall in the Southeast. The total damage and economic loss caused by Hurricane Helene is expected to range somewhere $145 billion and $160 billion.
Multiple federal and state agencies have deployed resources and assistance to multiple communities across the Southeast in the last few days, providing food, water, medical care, communication equipment and emergency response services and personnel.
Resources, according to Biden, will be available "as long as it takes to finish this job."
"We'll continue to serve resources including food, water, communications, and lifesaving equipment will be there," he said Monday.
veryGood! (39)
Related
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Georgia lawmakers vowed to restrain tax breaks. But the governor’s veto saved a data-center break
- Millie Bobby Brown Shares Look Inside Jake Bongiovi Romance While Celebrating His Birthday
- At least 3 killed as storms slam southeast after tornadoes bring devastation to Midwest
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Court rejects Hunter Biden’s appeal in gun case, setting stage for trial to begin next month
- Alabama ethics revamp dies in committee, sponsor says law remains unclear
- How Jewish and Arab students at one of Israel's few mixed schools prepare for peace, by simply listening
- NCAA hits former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh with suspension, show-cause for recruiting violations
- Woman seeks to drop sexual assault lawsuit against ex-Grammys CEO
Ranking
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Public school district leaders face questions from Congress on antisemitism school policies
- Real Madrid-Bayern Munich UEFA Champions League semifinal ends with controversy
- What Really Went Down During Taylor Swift and Teresa Giudice's Iconic Coachella Run-in
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- The Truth About Winona Ryder Seemingly Wearing Kendall Jenner's Met Gala Dress
- Shaquille O'Neal Reacts to Ex Shaunie Henderson Saying She's Not Sure She Ever Loved Him
- Who is the Con Queen of Hollywood? Apple TV+ retells story of legendary swindler
Recommendation
Immigration issues sorted, Guatemala runner Luis Grijalva can now focus solely on sports
Serve up Style With These Pickleball-Inspired Fashions From Target, Lululemon, Halara, Spanx & More
Review: The simians sizzle, but story fizzles in new 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes'
The Rev. Al Sharpton to give eulogy for Ohio man who died last month while in police custody
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Former U.S. soldier convicted in cold case murder of pregnant 19-year-old soldier on Army base in Germany
Couple and a dog killed after mobile home explosion leaves 'large debris field' in Minnesota
Alleged killer of nursing student Laken Riley indicted by grand jury in Georgia on 10 counts