Residents of Asheville grappling with 'catastrophic' aftermath of Hurricane Helene following devastating floods and landslides

A resident of Asheville, North Carolina, raised the alarm about the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, describing the weekend as "apocalyptic" as the death toll rises and millions are left without power and water.

"Gregory Harrison, an Asheville resident, stated that the weekend had been incredibly apocalyptic for them all. There was almost no gas, cell service was limited, power was scarce, food supplies were running low, and people were desperately searching for potable water to feed their families and quench their children's thirst."

Despite efforts by officials in Asheville, many residents remain trapped due to the historic flooding that occurred over the weekend, leaving them without power, running water, and cell service.

On Sunday morning, the NCNG mobilized over 500 soldiers and airmen, along with more than 200 vehicles and aircraft, including hoist and emergency aviation assets and high-water response vehicles.

The NCNG rescued 119 citizens and 11 pets through 16 air missions, with the largest mission rescuing 41 people north of Asheville in Bumcombe County.

"We have transported over 34,000 pounds of cargo, including food, water, and medical supplies, through our air assets. Over the past 48 hours, we have been supported by personnel and air assets from Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, Iowa, Florida, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania," the post continued from NCNG.

To maximize search and rescue efforts, Lillian Govus, the communications director of Buncombe County, advised individuals in nearby areas to steer clear of the affected communities.

"Lawrence Jones was informed by Govus that people should not come to the area at present. The search and rescue phase is still active, and there is currently active flooding. As previously stated, a small amount of rain will cause more landslides and mudslides."

"Our I-40 interstate, which is the primary route from Asheville to the beach, is closed due to a landslide that covered the entire interstate. We have a small emergency pathway available for our vehicles only."

Govus said her community is no longer recognizable after the deadly storm.

""Black Mountain, where I used to live, is unrecognizable now. Homes have been destroyed and power lines are snapped and hanging in various places," Govus stated."

We lack running water, which poses a significant public health crisis for us as houses are being completely washed away.

Laci Hentschel, an Appalachian State University student, stated that she was fortunate to have power, water, and cell service, but acknowledged that she knew individuals who lost everything due to Hurricane Helene's destruction.

"Fortunately, my apartment is among the ones that are better off, so we have power, water, and Wi-Fi," Hentschel said during "Fox & Friends First" on Monday. "Unfortunately, the water is still not safe to drink, but it's heartbreaking to see how many of my fellow mountaineers' apartments didn't fare as well in this weather."

""Our community can come together and lift each other up during this time of need, as I have seen people who lost everything they have and are now trying to get back on their feet," she said."

Another Asheville resident, who owns an art studio that was spared, said she moved to North Carolina after Hurricane Ian in hopes of evading another catastrophic storm.

"I came from Florida after Hurricane Ian. I thought this area would be safe, but it turned out to be dangerous," she said. "They warned us that this could happen, but it was hard to believe," she continued.

On Sunday, Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency (PHE) for North Carolina due to the health effects of Hurricane Helene.

Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee received greater flexibility in meeting their emergency health needs due to public health emergency declarations issued by President Biden.

Planet Chronicle' Stepheny Price contributed to this report.