CAROLINA CATASTROPHE - Insane Hurricane Helene Destruction From Flooding Burnsville to Old Fort, NC

[@SIMPLESUNSET28]

My son, husband and I just drove a truck full of supplies up to WNC. The community is pulling together but so much devastation it brings tears to the eyes and a punch to the gut. But there are also beautiful things to witness among the ruble. The people are coming together rather than ruminating on what divides us. The news is good for nothing except making us feel anger, depression or hopelessness...regardless of the channel any of us watches. But today we witnessed people from all walks of life coming together to help each other in a time of need and it was.... a relief to see. Don't listen to the banter about Civil War. There is hope. Humanity is a powerful force. We saw it today first hand. ❤

[@MultiSmurf67]

thank you for doing that. god bless and protect us and quide us all

[@watrgrl2]

Amen brother or sister? Totally agree!

[@ChaosEarth-p8i]

that is so kind of your family to do that. Its like shine a light in the dark times

[@e_mautrey463]

Thank you for what you're doing...the real enemy is a spiritual one whos got itself planted in every government in the world, every major corporation, every major media outlet , every agency and its roots are deep...if we all remember the real enemy, the machine,then we wouldn't allow them to divide us...if military and public servants would Chuck their programming to obey orders and side with the people then the machine would work th3 way ite suppose to once we have rid it of all the weeds with in... praying for God to show us all mercy and to soften peoples hearts and give us discernment to know the real enemy and what to do when it's wreaking havoc like it did with this storm...

[@krazeekimmy8425]

Heartbreaking 💔 You are doing a great job documenting this horrific flooding event.

[@fl4us824]

Florida here. It just tears ya up inside! Love the area and my heart goes out to all who are suffering through this. God Bless❤

[@SandyVG]

I saw one of your videos on the weekend & now this one. These people need you. Pictures & videos say so much. You are telling their story. Keep showing as this is real. Thank you. They won't get help unless the rest of the country sees this. You can't unsee or deny this devastation. It's hard to watch, but it needs to be shown.

[@MelDeC044]

Thank you for showing this to the world. My heart is breaking, I can't believe my eyes.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Absolutely Mel. Thank you for watching. Its truly heartbreaking.

[@BabsKaz]

Weather warfare 😔☁️

[@herautoemiliodealmeidafilh4821]

From Brazil I am horrified by such destruction and it is very difficult to imagine the situation of those who lost everything, but greater than this climatic event is the determination of these people who unite and overcome the challenges... joining hands and rebuilding everything again.

[@sharonmartin4036]

It is so hard to fathom, sitting here in a different country, seeing this devastation and not having the slightest idea how I would feel and act if I or my family/friends were impacted by something like this. I can only marvel at the resilience of the human spirit. This tragedy has brought together people who a couple of weeks ago would not even have nodded at each other. My heart goes out to all who lost loved ones, lost their homes, lost their pets, lost everything in this storm and the resulting floods. I also think of the wildlife that must have perished. So, so sad.

[@IceLynne]

My family has lived in South East Virginia in the hollows of the Appalachian mountains for couple hundred years. A lot a families in Tennessee and the Carolinas are the same, been there a long time. So much history and lives gone...they'll have to disperse to find homes and jobs and so an era has ended for many families. So many resources are going to immigrants, I hope that our own refugees will be treated with the kindness and respect they deserve.

[@patriciaduggan4102]

PRAY PRAY PRAY

[@kristink.dorsey6047]

THANK YOU SOO MUCH TO THE LINEMEN!!!

[@Chaika_Chaika]

Что такое линейный? 😂

[@happiersoul]

Yes! Thank you for saying that. I always say truckers and linemen are the most underappreciated people who make the world run! God bless them!

[@whatwillbem6825]

@@happiersoulTHEY ARE VERY UNDERRATED AND YET THEY MOVE THE WORLD…bless these wonderful people!!!!👍🏼 Thank you!!!!

[@t200b-i7k]

You’re doing important & historic work. Sincere thanks.

[@LuckyPenny-dw3uw]

My stomach is in knots watching this ,so much devastation it is shocking.Bless you all ❤

[@Chaika_Chaika]

Как это ваш желудок скрючивается?

[@stardust4225]

​@@Chaika_Chaikait means its very upsetting.

[@drgonzo767]

My heart breaks for these folks. Thank you for documenting this terrible event, Aaron; you've become quite the journalist, and these images are important for people to understand what happened there, because as you said it is hard to wrap one's mind around, it's horrible and so many lives have been taken and altered.

[@Cjj3856]

Thank you, Aaron for all that you do! My heart is breaking for all of the families and people affected by these storms!

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

I may not be able to help as much as I'd like, but so happy these images are getting out there! Thank you for watching!

[@pennybenton5607]

Thank God my niece, nephew in law, another nephew survived this catastrophic event. Continued prayers .

[@juliemurphy3513]

Wisconsinite firefighters from 2 cities had arrived in the Carolinas today to help.

[@lwstarz422]

Heart wrenching! Our son fled from Burnsville. Just moved there barely a month ago. Had such dreams. Happy to be in such a wonderful area. So sorry. 💜

[@EricUnderwood-v2x]

It really looks like a beautiful place before all this ...what a punch in the gut...my condolences...may he and his find another start somewhere....🙏👉♥️🇺🇲🙏🗽🦅

[@2009waterfall1]

Best covering of the damage I have seen so far!

[@LisaMac41]

Great footage Aaron. It breaks my heart to see the total devastation. 🙏🙏🙏

[@emilyw842]

I still can't accept this destruction and Im just viewing this online. We need to support the people affected by this in every way possible.

[@roberthenderson4466]

SEND THEM YOUR MONEY.........

[@grannyarbuckle5554]

​​@@roberthenderson4466 dont send anything to red cross..they don't do what they say they'll do! Research you'll find the truth about them and others that lie and not do as they lead people to think!@ Samaritan purse does do all they say they'll do. Research before giving! Be careful be cautious be mindful be watchful be prepared above all PRAY 🙏📖🙏🕊show ❤like Jesus then if need be 🪓🏹rhen victory 🙌 🙌

[@natureyogi2607]

Yes it's crazy how far the destruction is in this region. Basically from Boone to Tennessee, to the North and South Hendersonville

[@jenniferduncan9915]

@@roberthenderson4466the locals are all saying send to churches and NOT FEMA

[@jackiecaldwell6898]

I believe they open the dams flood gates during the storm ! Which created the wall of water that destroyed everything in its path ! It’s the only thing that explains the destruction ! That water was forced !! It came in fast ! The people got trapped in their cars and homes ! They had no warning ! And it also explains the slow responds to recovery !

[@dwayneroberts6616]

To the beautiful people of NC and every state devastated by the storm. You are not alone we are praying for you and giving what we can to help. God speed my fellow Americans." It's times like these we learn to love again "

[@juliespade1573]

Thank you lineman, you are the best. God keep you safe as you work your magic. God bless every responder.

[@marysumner335]

If i didn't know that it was a flood I would think some of the damage was an EF5 tornado. Thank you for sharing and bringing awareness to the damage the NC mountains has sustained.

[@MrBoxer1200]

Part of it is.

[@rockymtnsteeze1815]

@@MrBoxer1200 really? I thought it was mudslides. I don't know the full scope of the impact of the storm. Some of the damage reminded me of avalanche paths. There was some big avalanches when I lived in Colorado that went across some highways and passes I took to work. The trees across the road looked like this slide path I passed often. The slide path pushed cars off the road and buried them.

[@marjoriekrug9164]

We live in Fairview, just out Old Fort rd was Craigtown. It's gone. The 1st 2-3 days constant ambulances, firetrucks, swift water rescue, helicopters. Sadly many are dead or missing. We are still without power or water BUT are grateful our neighborhood is still mostly intact. We're helping each other, kindness ❤️ so thankful

[@kellybarnhardt4487]

Brad Panovich said 30-35 inches rain, tornados, and 100 mph wind

[@marjoriekrug9164]

@fancythat5136 I don't know. On the other side of the eastern continental divide, Gerten is damaged, Chimney Rock village mostly gone. They are very close to HNG which is very close to me. I'll ask our neighbors who are related, but have not received any news, hopefully that's good news.

[@TheMonkeyNeuron]

From one drone pilot to another, massive kudos; this is amazing, man.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Really means a lot to read this man. Thanks so much for the kind words and watching

[@TheMonkeyNeuron]

@@StormChaserAaronRigsby it took me a minute to realize why you were showing all the cars in all the different creeks…every one of those creeks is now polluted with whatever fluids are draining from them. 🥺

[@Ollegram]

It’s insane how strong that flood was for this amount of damage and what it carried along with it.

[@thystaff742]

Not natural at all.

[@bonniebowers4603]

Unbelievable is a great way to describe it. Because it was created

[@dwsweettea63]

So sad, so many lost so much. Thank you for documenting this. ❤❤

[@georgeburdell517]

I'm in Florida and we battened down... but my god the flooding in NC is crazy... I heard it rained like it never has...

[@natureyogi2607]

Yes we had rain way before the hurricane. Then it moved in and stayed over us and dumped. Do you all remember Boulder Colorado around 2008? That's what happened to us😢

[@joyfullone3968]

As a fellow citizen of North Carolina it is very painful to see the destruction that the extreme rainfall from Helene caused.

[@randallcarroll2151]

I live in Burnsville, it's really bad here right now. We lost our bridge and can't even get our car across to the road now

[@WxChasing]

Amazing job being out there covering this event.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Means the world coming from you man. Thank you so much

[@skyeagle3123]

I was wondering if you know about how many square miles the damage was ? Thanks

[@donnacrimmins789]

Thank you for your time.

[@whatwillbem6825]

I’m so brokenhearted for all the people that are going through this… It’s so catastrophic! 😢🙏🏻

[@brittac.fleck-zink2863]

How many brave people have done all they could to get those roads clean from the debris to reach people. Good luck, stay safe! God bless you! From Germany 😢❤

[@Fido-vm9zi]

It's really impressive.

[@loismiller7742]

I can hardly comprehend what I’m looking at. Reporters said it was beyond belief. This is just so sad

[@joeanderson8839]

This is one of the worst disasters I have ever seen.

[@TheFrugleWeekendGardener]

Prayers to all of WNC. You’ve given me and my fam so many beautiful memories and you deserve all the aid and help possible. Keep sharing the reality you are experiencing on social media. We will not forget about you all. Stay strong and know many are thinking of you. 🙏😢🙏😢

[@wildberries9894]

Heart wrenching scenes. Thank you for this outstanding documentation of what happened and what these folks are living through. Even seeing the footage, it's hard to comprehend such devastation.

[@MaximusXXX77]

Thank you for not putting audio or/and music to the video. I believe it is much more powerful this way. A picture is worth a thousand words...

[@Justnobody0950]

Thank you for these just unbelievable videos you're doing. You're doing more than the news is doing!!!! I live near Atlanta, Ga. on the west side, and we dodged the bullet of this horrific monster storm. So, my thoughts and prayers go out to all the ones who lost everything. It's my prayer God will give the ones what they stand in need of now in the recovery and rebuilding stages of their lives. ❤😢❤

[@richardthelionhearted3745]

Prayers for NC & All🙏

[@sismarin]

Great footage, people please find a donation truck and donate for these folks. Winter is coming and they dont even have a car to live in. The camper dealers need to send what they can to help too.

[@lovetohuntlovetohunt6241]

Aaron, thank you. You are the best at giving the perspectives of this devastation! Definitely sad😢🙏

[@yattaran1484]

Prayers to all who suffered from this hurricane. from Japan.

[@tiffanycollins296]

How do you recover from this?

[@papasquat355]

What we are going through in Georgia is just an inconvenience compared to this. I am astonished at the destruction.

[@ew7512]

I still have a friend trapped in Asheville who texted me 2 days ago that she was running out of food and water. I haven't heard from her since. I'm so worried.

[@chrisc1006]

Hwy 26 is now usable for trucks to deliver to Asheville, so supplies will be rolling in there asap. I have a friend in that area who just told me this. HTH

[@BabsKaz]

​@@chrisc1006 bit the ports are closed. Perfect timing.😢

[@ew7512]

@@chrisc1006 Thank you!!

[@PawesomeCatVideo]

@@BabsKaz Troll

[@BabsKaz]

@@PawesomeCatVideo idiot.

[@everhappy6312]

Its like a tsunami, hurricane and a mud slide all decided to hit NC and TN.

[@MrBoxer1200]

Yep, it was selected, Lithium and Quartz. in the area

[@michaelolivia85]

@@MrBoxer1200Yes and most people will think we are crazy.

[@Naturalworldlives]

​Because you are crazy.

[@BabsKaz]

DEWs.

[@allenhughes12]

​@@MrBoxer1200 study up on your geology.

[@grammadrm4974]

My heart & prayer go out to all affected by this hurricane!! Special thanks to all the volunteers!

[@evoxpop2088]

Lives and livelihoods gone in the blink of an eye. How these people must feel is beyond my comprehension and there are no words of comfort.

[@Naturaldisasterdocumentary]

Absolute catastrophe in the Carolinas as Hurricane Helene's flooding causes insane destruction from Burnsville to Old Fort, NC. The devastation is hard to comprehend. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected-hoping for safety, recovery, and resilience for these communities

[@chanchan5349]

I love Burnsville in particular; I’m in Hendersonville & have even been able to get out much until today. Haven’t had internet at all, went outside & looked for a clear site line, must’ve found a Starlink! Thank you.

[@reginamiller6624]

Love and prayers for all affected ❤

[@LorenaBobbittForPresident]

The first truckload of prayers just showed up! Thanks for nothing asshole kkkristian

[@milla698]

First thank you for filming and posting. I've been watching different videos of the deviation and I can't believe the damage. I'll be praying for everyone affected by this it's just a terrible situation for everyone in those areas

[@scottprather5645]

The good side to this is that it's bringing people together giving us a chance to show our true nature.

[@nicknichols3810]

Thank you for the coverage of Yancey County. Still so little information coming out of that area.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Absolutely. Been my biggest goal to get these images out there while so much attention has been focused on asheville

[@jrbland18]

They need to check all along the river❤ Also check on the mountain ❤

[@stardust4225]

have you heard the recent missing persons total? i was hearing possibly over 600+ a couple of days ago just in NE NC i believe

[@marjoriekrug9164]

@@jrbland18 it's being done

[@josephinelooman5878]

You did a great video and so did your son. Thank you for sharing . looks worse than a war Zone

[@timothywolfe8792]

Has to be the worst natural disaster of all time. Unreal

[@Naturalworldlives]

For the USA yes.

[@readytowatchnow7797]

I went through three hurricanes in the region: Camille, David, and Hugo. I remember the enormous destruction caused by Camille and Hugo especially. I now live in Europe, but my heart goes out to everyone impacted by this disaster.

[@Loretta318]

Continued prayers for everyone 🙏🙏🙏 Absolutely heartbreaking 💔

[@rebthirteen8012]

Such devastation. You be careful out there. Shocking footage well captured by you. At least you were sensible and used a drone. I’ve seen a video on KZbin filmed by someone on the side of a riverbank with a swollen river fast flowing that took away a road bridge. The guy videoing it and others filming could’ve been swept away at any point because common sense tells you the force of that river was most definitely eroding the river bank he was stood on! At least you stayed safe to bring these images. Well done. Take care. And greetings from the UK 🇬🇧 👋 You’ve now got another subscriber 👍

[@michelaB98]

So sad Praying for all Survivors and their families!! STAY STRONG!!

[@rickterry8991]

Ty for sharing this. Sending prayers to families in this wonderful state

[@wasafiassi]

Here is the opportunity to prove that politicians are not lying. Katrrina proved that corruption is destroying people’s lives and businesses. RIP and stay strong for all those who are going through this ❤

[@pbrstreetgang9543]

Good work documenting this tragedy.

[@R2D2C_3po]

It deeply saddens me to see this destruction. Western NC is a really nice part of the country. My heart goes out to the people who are suffering there from all of this.

[@madmerlot841]

It took a lot of force to jam that debris into buildings and containers. It looks more like EF5 tornado damage than flood damage.

[@sharonmartin4036]

Water is the strongest, most destructive force in nature. Stronger than wind, it is relentless and takes a lot longer to subside.

[@tiffanycollins296]

Unbelievable. My heart hurts

[@helenmallory3002]

WOW those poor people how do you ever recover from something like this??

[@finmason8339]

Dude your framing is amazing

[@mariafernandez6439]

Putting myself on their shoes, Have no words. Saying prayers, do not despair . . . Always keep looking up!

[@volkerWinkens-pq4of]

Good luck, stay safe! God bless you! From Germany 😢❤

[@zeronacltemp]

In burnsville, all I can say is you should have posted footage of cattail/Pensacola area, 80South area, egypt/ramseytown area, and where the Toe River turns into the nolichucky river. The damage goes so much farther beyond what was shown. Don't get me wrong, micaville area was devastated but atleast you could navigate in and out of there. Some areas are still inaccessible by vehicle other than four-wheeler or smaller. I had to take an old trail today to get to people isolated on 19W. I would estimate that maybe 10% of bridges that crossed toe or cane river still stand. Most roads beside those rivers are unusable with huge sections 2 lanes wide missing. Locals with heavy equipment had to dig themselves out of their driveways and start building temp roads to get emergency response teams in to these areas. Yancey county will never look the same. But I'm proud of everyone local coming together. Of course the fire depts., police, search and rescue, and all the heavy equipment operators with the state and local have all been doing a good job. I have seen Coast Guard, national guard, FEMA, and the ATF so far. But lots of people from out of town coming to help. We appreciate all the help but please do be careful. If you aren't used to the terrain and are questioning whether it's safe, please do not get yourself in a sticky situation. Be safe out there ❤

[@zeronacltemp]

Forgot to mention that the power crews are working their butts off and we see it. Some people just don't understand that the main power to sprucepine and the hospital, then the main power into Avery county needs to be restored ASAP. Then worry about side roads. Bad thing is, some places don't have a road for crews to use anymore. Almost every road and driveway needs to be repaired. It's so crazy to witness.

[@zeronacltemp]

Please do not come to sight see. We do not appreciate you clogging the roads and getting in response teams way. If you don't have any personal business here or you aren't here to help, don't come right now.

[@chrishensley6745]

Great coverage of this......East Tn. got hammered also....gonna take years to build back in a area already hard live and make it to begin with.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

Heading there today for drone coverage

[@1940sDream]

Sending love from Upper South.

[@eileenh4772]

Thanks for showing me. Organizing help in Rochester NŸ.. BLESSINGS

[@whenmullet2674]

100's of little towns like this destroyed, millions of people devastated. Sad part is most insurance companies won't cover the flood damage and most of these area probably weren't in a flood zone.

[@DOLFINOWOLF]

I am in SHOCK and 😕😳🤕😔 I am so very very VERY Sorry for All of your losses and I CAN NOT BEGIN TO IMAGINE DEVASTATION TO THIS SCALE 😕😔😕 My Prayers 🙏 is what I can offer ✨ Rev VFP-III ✨ ✌️ out ⛵

[@TheNaturesPower-f6n]

My heartfelt prayers go out to all those who are grieving this great loss. I hope no one is too badly injured. What a heartbreaking tragedy.🙏

[@LVSpeedweLL]

Bless you and Thank you. I have shared video with friends from Burnsville who left town for safety and have no idea what awaits them. Sub’d Prayers!

[@debharrison7870]

My family is in buladean nc and spruce pine nc. Could you possible film that area? Thank you so much!

[@semosancus5506]

It's amazing of all the ways weather can get us, flooding seems to be the worst. It can just shrug off entire buildings like a flea sometimes leaving no trace they were even there.

[@Kimberly-qg3ks]

My hurts to see so much destruction. Stay safe ❤️‍🩹

[@clairejohnson-saarela8475]

Where do you start? My heart goes out to everyone. Lives changed forever. God bless them in the days ahead.

[@lindamannix1247]

They must have lost many animals ..

[@whatwillbem6825]

😢

[@danutamolikiewicz2886]

😱😥

[@legopotter8295]

Why are police threatening arrest to volunteers who have a helicopter and were the only hope of some people trapped in black mountains? Why?

[@CrucialFlowResearch]

Just like Maui, they are there to take control of the area after people died

[@allenhughes12]

​@@CrucialFlowResearch do you think they needed this to take people off their property? The Cherokee would say you are a fool.

[@kathymac21]

I have personally gotten on and under a low water bridge in Todd NC and helped clean out logs, limbs, hay rings, dead baby pi’s, bottles, trash, an opened vacuum sealed bag coffee. We opened it to have something that smelled good. It was horrible.

[@lethapaulhus5971]

Thank you for posting these. Communities need to come together to help each other, and coordinate for future solar, underground utilities, hydro power, stockpiling supplies. The federal government no longer will come to help.or media call for mass help. It’s too busy garnering world domination. We the people must become We the People again May the universe bless all life from trees to animals to humans in this time of grief and anger!!

[@VisionProStudios]

Hi Aaron..has there been any word on housing and the damage done in the small community of Bee Log at Rowin Fork? Up the mountain, Bald Mountain, we have a family cemetery and my dad is buried there. There is a creek that runs the entire length of the hike up the mountain and the last time I was there, lot's of new housing went up along the hike and area. If you know of the condition of that area, our family would appreciate it. Also the conditions of cemeteries in the mountain areas

[@AlmerCraft]

My condolences 🙏May God Almighty bring North Carolina and all its surrounding towns and counties a speedy recovery and greater strength 🙏 Amen and Amen 🙏🙏

[@polish_ninja]

Heavenly Father help and strengthen those affected by this storm. In the name of our savior and Lord Jesus 🙏 Amen ❤

[@danielebrparish4271]

Makes me wonder if the county will improve their building codes before issuing new building permits in those areas where the buildings were destroyed. So many places that survived seemed to be on a ridge or a bank that was high enough to keep it from being damaged.

[@Nash4Nashville]

Amazing footage 👍

[@etiquettefiend]

I was really looking forward to getting into some of these areas this fall, new and revisit old ones. To hike, explore, and interact with local communities. Having lost nearly everything from hurricane Ivan in 2004, my heart just hurts, man. Some sleepless nights, it's really affecting me.

[@Liberty6010and9]

Lord this is just devestating and completely astonishing. I can't even process how large of an area is completely destroyed there, and also in S Carolina and East Tennessee. Everybody needs to be praying non stop for these ppl. And donating whatever they can. They need everything! 😢🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@andrewkintzele8848]

Prayers to everyone in the areas devastated by Hurricane Helene.

[@Robert-dn4yp]

The terrible situation these people are in.

[@loriwitmer6596]

Does anyone know how far this is from Black Mtn? I have family there that can't be reached. This is so sad. Thank you for this coverage.

[@StormChaserAaronRigsby]

This is roughly 45 minutes or so. I can try to get to black mountain tomorrow and get the drone up

[@heatherbennett6036]

​@@StormChaserAaronRigsby will you please check black mountain drug rehab?

[@everhappy6312]

​@heatherbennett6036 they are fine. One of my friends works there and she is going to work tomorrow.

[@loriwitmer6596]

​@@StormChaserAaronRigsby Thank you so much. Appreciate it.

[@loriwitmer6596]

​@@everhappy6312Thank you so much. I'm in PA. I've tried calling and calling.

[@Nipa10]

Oooooh, I'm heartbroken 💔 for everyone who has been affected. Let's come together, donate time, money, supplies and prayers or help anyway you can. Much love from ohio.

[@hermanhale9258]

0:26 What is that big white cylinder?

[@CramerGallimore]

Very sad. Great flying and footage.

[@bevsputler5455]

They’ll clean it up rebuild in the same Area, then wait for the next big storm to hit…is anyone out there explaining these storms are Worsening & more devastating because the planet & oceans are warmer than they were in the past!