Hurricane Helene Survivor – We will rebuild

Spruce Pine is known as ‘the gem of the mountains’ in North Carolina. The small community of 22-hundred people is devastated after Hurricane Helene. Andrea Ducklow bought a home in the small and vibrant community in May. She’s staying with her daughter here in Wisconsin for now to not add to the strain on resources in her small town.

While Andie’s home survived the worst of the damage, the same cannot be said for the town and the surrounding area. Andie was trapped by a downed tree and power lines for the first few days after Hurricane Helene. Once she was able to get out, seeing the swath of destruction was horrifying.

Downtown Spruce Pine

The downtown in Spruce Pine has upper and lower streets. It follows the curve of the North Toe River across which you could see Riverside Park. The Spruce Pine Foot Bridge connected the downtown to the park area. Andie said it’s all gone now.

It’s worse than it looks on TV

There’s pictures and video of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. Andie said she’s seen the same thing before, but until you’ve lived through it, you have no idea what it’s actually like. The recovery is going to take years for this small community and communities across the destruction area.

Disinformation is hurting survivors

One of the worst things Andrea has seen through this, besides the devastation, is the rampant spread of disinformation on social media. People in the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene are asking people to check facts before reposting. The misinformation is hurting survivors more when they need all the help they can get.

People are getting help

Andrea said FEMA is there helping people apply for help. There are areas set up for people to get the supplies they need until clean up and rebuilding operations can start. The National Guard is there focusing first on search and rescue/recovery operations. These are remote areas and difficult to access when there’s only one road and that road is gone or unsafe.

What is needed

The volunteer and government organizations pouring into the devastated areas are giving assistance to those in need. If you want to help, you should look for an organized and official group to volunteer with or donate to. Andrea said the roads are unstable in areas and they need them to get the heavy equipment in to assist with cleanup and recovery.

We will rebuild

The human spirit of survival and the goodness that shows under tragedy is on full display in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. Andrea said she saw the best of humanity during these tragic days. It’s going to take time for the people in these areas to rebuild. The fall is an important time for North Carolina’s tourism industry. Andrea said, “Don’t come. Not this year… we don’t have the infrastructure… So don’t come this year, but then come back and watch us rebuild.”  She said, “We are hardwired as people to come together and support each other. We’re hardwired for love, not hate.” Andie said seeing so much kindness and love during this tragedy gave her hope and uplifted her. “People care, they really do.”

How you can help

You want to be sure you’re donating to reputable organizations that will get your donations to those in need after Hurricane Helene. We have a link on our website with verified donation sites. You can donate blood with the Red Cross. They are also looking for volunteers willing to donate their time for two weeks and travel to areas affected by the storms. If you want to donate directly to those affected in Spruce Pines, you can donate to the Mitchell County Animal Rescue or Tractor Food & Farms.

Full Interview with Andrea Ducklow