The destruction left by Hurricane Helene has been devastating to many communities throughout the Southeast.
Western North Carolina was especially hard-hit by the remnants of Helene. Massive amounts of rain overwhelmed lakes and rivers and caused widespread damage. As of this writing, at least 35 people have been confirmed dead in Buncombe County. 600 are still unaccounted for.
Social media is awash with viral videos showing roads washed out, interstates partially or completely collapsed, businesses flooded and homes and cars being swept away.
It’s heartbreaking for anyone who watches or hears the clips. It’s especially heartbreaking for those who live in North Carolina and may be wondering, “Where are we going from here?”
The media and the federal response have been discussed, as has the fact that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were at the beach or swanky fundraisers on the left coast respectively while towns were underwater.
I cannot speak to the amount of federal assistance (if any) on the ground in Western NC. I am also disgusted at the indifference shown by the Biden and Harris administrations, despite federal disaster declarations. I would like to offer a different view on national media coverage, in particular the logistics and the situation in that part.
Brad Panovich, WCNC TV’s meteorologist in Charlotte for many years, is well respected and liked by almost everyone. He could be elected mayor if he so desired. Brad Panovich’s love and appreciation for his work, as well as his commitment to ensuring that this part of the nation is prepared for bad weather and informed about it, are undeniable.
He’s one of those who is on social media and the radio 24/7 after a disaster to spread the word about areas to avoid, where help is needed, how to send help or get it, and debunking false stories.
This is exactly what he did in the aftermath of Helene, which devastated parts of Charlotte with its flooding and power lines/trees that were downed.
In a video posted on Sunday, Panovich shared stories from sources he trusted about what was happening in Western NC. He also explained how difficult it was to cover certain areas because of widespread power and wifi outages, and the inability to reach those areas other than by air.
Perhaps the most important thing he noted was that relief supplies are in fact pouring in and are being dropped in by air, with the locals stepping up all over NC and the NC National Guard doing their thing as well (and with Guardsmen from states like Florida coming to the rescue, too – thank you, Gov. DeSantis!).
Utility crews and first responders from across the country are also arriving to assist with relief and recovery. He said that he believed the national media would cover the situation more in the days to come as power, wifi, and road access were restored.
The hope is not gone. Not by much. Please share and watch so that those in the affected areas with cell service will be able to see and hear the message and know that there is help already available and more coming.
