‘The Day the Lights Went Out’: Watch WBTV's Hurricane Helene documentary here

[@enuf2402]

I’m here in these mountains, have been all my life. 55 years. I’ve seen lots of really bad flooding here. This, this was absolutely terrifying to say the least. No words can describe being in the middle of this as it was happening then after it was past. We were trapped, our driveway was gone and the road. No power for 14 days. Surrounded by complete destruction. But we were lucky. Our house was ok as were we. There are so many who lost everything including their lives and so many missing

[@TnTBikingAdventures]

I agree. I'm in Northern Picken County SC. I've never seen anything like this.

[@Allisillusion-z3f]

More like 1000s dead, a lot of misinformation being spread

[@TommySumler-v8i]

God bless ya'll

[@ursamajor7468]

You have to FIND a body before you can declare a death. Numerous people fled the area before Helene arrived. But yes, Trump claimed Puerto Rico suffered a dozen dead when it was closer to 2,000. NC seems similar. No doubt people are buried under 10- 20 feet of mud and debris.

[@sandramoore6456]

​@TnTBikingAdventures I don't think anyone has seen anything on this magnitude of devastation an I believe it was man made weather technology! 🤬😭

[@aceoffice776]

North of Asheville..... it has been so bad. No one.....absolutely no one could have anticipated this. I've lived here 58 years.....this does not happen here. It is heartbreaking. So much destruction, so much pain...so much loss. We will overcome this.... we have God on our side.....he has sent so many beautiful people here.....to help us. We will always remember the love that has been spread across our beautiful communities. We will not forget. Please continue to help all the people that have lost so very much. We are all still in shock. I don't believe many of us have had a chance to just stop, breath and realize what we have just went through. It is truly unimaginable. Again, thank you America for all you have done for us. It is not over. The huge piles of debris and destruction will linger.. it is still holding onto some of our loved ones. We may never find them. God bless their souls. Some of us are feeling such quilt.....feeling for what we have been spared.... when so many have lost everything. Everything!!! !The churches have been such a blessing, no one would believe just how much our Christian communities have done. Thamk you for the love. Please hear me..... God will see us through this. We love you. Thank you for your love.

[@DavidCallowayJrKO4ZZT]

I want to add something that was not mentioned in this video the only communications we had were Amateur or ham radio one major repeater was key to all rescue efforts in Western North Carolina and that repeater is none other than the Mount Mitchell repeater on frequency 145.190 megahertz negative offset no tone 6600 ft elevation the highest 2 meter repeater east of the Mississippi River I can't think the amateur radio operators on that repeater enough and it was a group effort it wasn't just a one-person operation many people gave of their time and resources to help our communities when all else failed amateur radio was there to save the day

[@k3dts-thesparktospaceamate527]

Thanks for bringing this to light. Very few people realize that when cell phones fail and the grid is out, amateur radio is the only means of communication. One individual in particular, Don Gitro, Amateur callsign K2DMG, deserves a lot of credit for taking the lead in trying to connect concerned families with their loved ones in WNC. On the Mount Mitchell repeater, he started by asking the simple question " Does anybody need anything?" For the next ten days he tirelessly continued communicating and passing messages. I would strongly encourage WBTV to contact him and get his and the other ham radio operators' stories about how they helped and truly saved lives in this disaster. Ron, WA3VEE.

[@kimberlyhughes1928]

Yes

[@DavidCallowayJrKO4ZZT]

​@@k3dts-thesparktospaceamate527 Dan and the crew Were phenomenal I can't thank them enough

[@Mandoslicer]

The death toll that has been reported is grossly underreported. It’s in the thousands. We will bounce back. It’s been hard on all of us. But the bodies and the souls that left this earth during this terrible even, and worse, the way they perished…it’s too much to try and imagine. God Bless.

[@naomikowles9330]

People say this a lot, but I have not heard or seen a single name provided yet of someone missing that is not already included in the official totals. Once we can locate actual names not included in the totals, I am happy to investigate

[@davebeakel6632]

And are you the excuse bot, ready to paste your pre-typed response every time? The people reporting it's in the thousands are the people who've been in ground zero the entire time! They're the ones who should know!

[@deniseellenburg649]

How can you say anything about a death toll when you refuse to report the actual death toll numbers?

[@Minivanmusician]

We're interviewing and getting to the bottom of things for at least the next YEAR. We've got some stuff up now and MUCH, MUCH more to upload, yet. Definitely in the thousands but that's my (quite) educated guess.

[@TruthRemainsTheTruth]

Sorry to all and no harm no foul. I'm not about ppl suffering and going through such tragedy yet I'm not about lying about it. The media has the power to shift truth and or shift lies. We all had better live and learn to tell it like it T.I. is. Precious souls thousand + are gone while many really do not want to walk in honesty that they are gone. How does that honor their lives? It's not just a guess that Fema never came or functioned like Fema should. Why? Because they are coin-less. Because the circus is in the big show. Why Because the truth isn't in them either. Dont be deceived NIR live a lie. Censor the truth by erasing this post here Yet the truth WILL come to the light and is going to show up in the mud. Rest easy to all who are hurting and all who have lost their lives ❤

[@a_kraeft97]

I live in Mitchell County. Its unlike anything I ever seen or could've fathomed. I called out of work the day before the whole thing went down (I work in corrections), the day of the storm I was evacuated from my rental house around 1030 AM to the courthouse which is up on a high hillside (there was about 2-3 ft of water in my front yard by that point). I was up there for almost 4 hours. My SUV flooded and was totaled, and about a dozen gas tanks from a local fuel company had landed in my back yard though somehow my house wasn't hit by a single one. For 4 days, I slept on a cot at at the high school, caught up with a family from Burnsville and we drove over the mountain to Unicoi TN to shop and contact our loved ones. That in itself was blessing. But the biggest blessing was being able to participate in the recovery process afterwards. People heeded the call from many states out to come help restore power lines and do tree clean up. I was able to work at 2 distribution centers for a week being on volunteer leave. With there being so little to do at work lately some of us have been chopping firewood and distributing it out to locals who need some kind of source of heat as the winter approaches. I could tell you more but to sum it up: About 2 months later, a ton of progress (you might even call it historic) has been made, but it never goes away. There is always some PTSD every time it rains or the wind blows. But we are so extremely grateful for everything and everybody who pitched in and brought stuff. #westernncstrong

[@acekilroy7534]

The washing of a new generation. 🙏🏻❤️(Ezekiel 47:1-23)

[@MLF-db9do]

what are the distribution centers you were able to voluneer at? Asking bc I'm looking to link up with one and volunteer some time. I was there a week or two ago with BOM doing tear outs. I live in Wilson, NC and plan to make a monthly trip to the area and volunteer time for as long as I can but I need to know the groups to link up with. I can't do tear outs or anything requiring heavy lifting so I'm limited in recovery efforts but I can definitely work at distro sites.

[@janets6474]

"Sometimes there just isnt anything more people can do?" Are you kidding me?! We have military bases located in this state who could have been called in. People who are trained, specifically, to handle this type of situation. They have the expertise, the man power, the equipment, they could have set up shelters, fed people, treated their wounds. That DID not happen and in fact, were DENIED to come when they asked. Maybe you should interview Congressman Cory Mills who was here from the beginning.

[@KimHancken-mq5uf]

100% agree. This is not the whole story. Though I appreciate the reporting it's not nearly the whole story.

[@janets6474]

@KimHancken-mq5uf Agreed

[@margelittleboy]

Absolutely not the whole story. Not truthful in many parts.

[@davebeakel6632]

It's not reporting, this is the official excuses of why they couldn't help out, and why they will continue to NOT HELP OUT. All the help came from our fellow civilian citizens, NOT from these FEMA or police - instead they were turning people back who were trying to bring urgently needed supplies!

[@kimberlyhughes1928]

Yes it leaves out that there are still people living in tents in swannanoa and other places, soon in freezing temperatures. This is definitely not the whole story. It's a little bit of a puff piece actually.

[@carriegarrisonvos4433]

I live in Avery County. And this is a very good documentary of what happened. It's still very hard for people to see what happened without being here and seeing it. The fear and heartache everyone felt worrying about friends and family. The older gentleman in the end, said how I feel. We are lucky to be alive. Don't forget about the small towns. There was great devastation everywhere but the smaller towns and the hollars back in the mountains etc., they paid a bigger price it seems. We were lucky. No damage to our house basically, bridge washed away. It was so quiet Saturday until the Chinook Helicopters and others started flying above and then so many people who wanted to help. It was soothing for the soul and we can never thank all these people enough. 1 in 1000 year storm. I hope to never see anything like it again and I'm 65. Don't forget the small areas. It's going to take a long time to get past this!

[@Mandoslicer]

Love to you. I’m coming up there from Asheville tomorrow to Jim Wiseman Rd. To check on family. ❤

[@carriegarrisonvos4433]

Asheville was hit hard too but the area you are coming up to was hit very hard also. It's off of 19E I believe and near Spruce Pine. I hope they are ok! Mountain folks are tough!

[@davinaferguson1994]

I live in Avery County too but I live in Newland North Carolina and we got flooded on that Wednesday night which was 2 days before the hurricane actually hit. I am terrified of floods but now since going through this I am even more terrified of floods I hate floods.

[@carriegarrisonvos4433]

@@davinaferguson1994 I'm in Banner Elk. I never want to go thru that again. Newland was hit hard. The whole county was, but some places worse than others. It freaked me out. I still can't sleep when it rains at night. PTSD thing I guess and yes it started Wed and we were already flooded when Helene hit.

[@Macrodosian897]

I like the part where the general store owner says that every day she’s usually got like 5 volunteers helping out and thinks to herself, “why are they here helping?” I find myself thinking the same thing. I live in Boone and just last week, Samaritans Purse volunteers came and helped clean up debris from all the downed trees on my property. Probably 20 people, took a couple hours. Would’ve taken me all winter to get it done by myself, but here’s these people who don’t even know me, showing up to help. I’ve heard the destruction described by people who have been in the military as looking like a war zone, but what’s different is this wasn’t done by man, this was nature, and the beauty of humanity is what’s bringing us together. It’s like you can look at the situation and only see the destruction, but what I see is the love and support for us all.

[@MLF-db9do]

It's sort of a washing of feet from the Christian perspective... showing the love of Jesus in a meaningful way. For me, that's why I volunteer. I've been saved by grace and I want to give that to others.

[@michellesmithunroe2463]

​@@MLF-db9do I get choked up every time I see or think of the phrase "the hands and feet of Jesus". There's no denying the comfort of faith.

[@FreckledGemini]

The death number is way way waaaaay off here. There are THOUSANDS MISSING.

[@naomikowles9330]

People say this a lot, but I have not heard or seen a single name provided yet of someone missing that is *not already included* in the official totals. Once we can locate actual names not included in the totals, I am happy to investigate

[@janets6474]

​@@naomikowles9330The problem is entire families were killed. There was a homeless encampment down by the river in Asheville that was wiped out. I looked up the number, 749 as of early 2024. My brother says he has seen a few in the city but thats all. Mynsuster in laws friend was killed. Ine family of 11 died. There are hundreds of storues like this. Somebody found a woman and her 3 kids dead in their car. Employees were stranded in businesses that were flooded and swept away. They are also finding huge numbers of body parts because the force of water and debris tore bodies apart. This documentary does each and every one of the people who died a diservice by not investingating the REAL numbers.

[@angik4777]

Thank you WBTV and especially Naomi for bringing to light what we went through in WNC. I live in the High Country. "My" mountains and river (South Fork of the New River) became very angry in the blink of an eye as Hurricane Helene ravaged the area. The storm took so very much but it brought our community together and has made us stronger. I am so proud of my community.

[@sherri2463]

I’m watching this now. It’s devastating to watch but I pray for each and everyone who were affected by this tragedy🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@boonedog1457]

Everyone needs to watch this documentary. Well done! However, we live here and it's far worse than was shown. Please continue to pray 🙏 for all who lives here.

[@reddkl]

Naomi Kowles, this is worth an Emmy. Your station should submit it. Great job!

[@starnealy4550]

Excuse me but she's doing this as her job, to make money, to improve chances of moving up in her news oriented world. Her shows are making her big time MONEY. People don't seem to understand that this these KZbin podcasts make money, advertisement money. Not to say that what she reports isn't important, but don't turn this into an Emmy. WBTV is a liberal news network and she is a liberal news reporter and this is making her MONEY! Now, if she gives that money to the mountain people in it's entirety well then she'll deserve an Emmy!,

[@reddkl]

@@starnealy4550 So if she's doing it as a job, she shouldn't qualify for an award. You do not understand that shorts on KZbin have gotten awards. As for her political affiliation, you've made yours clear.

[@starnealy4550]

@@reddkl If she is so great, then give her an award but if she's making the big bucks, under the circumstances, maybe she should give the money to the needy in the mountains, being she's such a great girl. She can keep the hardware, no problem!

[@marietjiehildebrandt1324]

Beautifull documentary. Stay strong NC

[@sharonvarkalis5432]

Thank you Naomi. I'm from England and The Lord has had me following hurricane Helene. There's lessons in it all. Your film was good. Told a good professional story. Keep reporting.xx

[@janets6474]

She neglected at least one important FACT. The death toll is in the THOUSANDS not 100.

[@kimberlyhughes1928]

And neglected to say that people are still living in tense in winter.

[@elizabethbarberis9058]

I'm in the uk and, personally, I think the biggest main story here is - when Mother Nature shows us, (her tiny humans) what's truly important to listen to? Then all that manufactured politicing, fearmongering, seperatism, etc flies back into the forgotten lands, where it belongs, and we rediscover our priorities around community and support. When you were all cut off from the 'system' then you began to talk to each other again face to face, where visual queues and body language and tone of voice bring so much more to the table, compared to type on a screen like this. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, as are all others in the same plight globally. Bless us all and keep us safe.

[@Robert-ns2pd]

I live in Swannanoa, one of the worst hit towns that are close to Asheville and what you are describing it was very much our experience and what I hold to the most. It resonates with everyone in this area. Mind you, this happened right before a very contentious election in a swing state and we didn't give a flying rip about how people were voting, we were just Americans helping each other out. We also had the redneck Air Force operation running at the local Harley Davidson dealership, sometimes handling over 100 helicopter flights per day. Lastly, there is a small funeral home chain (Penland) that had one of their homes nearby and I spoke to many of their technicians and I take major issue with their death toll reported on this video. It's over 200. Their other two operations were swept away by the river.

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

I want to wish Mr. & Mrs. Tatum a Happy 51st Anniversary! Despite everything that has happened, y’all still have each other. The positivity both of you show is very inspirational! Take care and may blessings continue to come your way.🙏🏻

[@angelawhite731]

So glad y’all were able to put this on KZbin sending prayers from north Mississippi #WNCSTRONG Keep faith and stay safe yall are not forgotten

[@janiceprice7403]

Heartbreaking. Praying for all affected by this

[@itzgametimevip1111]

Your report was very good. However, no mention of how ham radio operators were instrumental providing the first communications into the hardest hit areas.

[@michellesmithunroe2463]

I hope there will be additional segments because there's a lot to cover, including decades of unacknowledged vulnerability of so many within a region by every agency and industry except the USGS.

[@wa3vee986]

Ham radio was crucial in the first days of this disaster. Please reach out to Don Gitro, K2DMG who along with many other ham radio operators provided vital initial communications. Like your superbly done documentary their are profound additional people stories involving hams who were trying to connect families with loved ones. Ron, WA3VEE.

[@doriskrieger9263]

This is just so sad. I've been watching about this every since it happened. I have a broken hip or I would have been there too. God Bless everyone here and keep your hands on them.

[@alicemccann7422]

Mr. Tatum, Thank you for mentioning Augusta, GA. Thank you for the Jeremiah 11! How beautifully this applies! I send my prayers and all my love! I hope to one day see you both beyond the river...to be continued.

[@jeannie5389]

That's where my 4th grgrfather was born.

[@griffithracingteam2412]

I'm from Minneapolis and it's the most devastating thing I've ever seen in my life of 48 years. I still have a hard time just driving through my childhood hometown as we live just up the road now, but we as mountain folk are resilient and the the way people have come together like Bob said no politics just people helping people. Although I wasn't personally affected as far as my home goes.All my family and friends were and it breaks my heart but we will build back Because As they said since this all started we are #appalachianstrong. Thank you for this documentary

[@bartosullivan8050]

We live to the west in Cherokee County and count our blessings everyday that our community was spared from the devastation. Our first thoughts went to the people we know in Lansing and are they safe. Lansing, Helton Creek, Whitetop, Pond Mountain , this is our sanctuary. Where we go to recharge and take joy in the stunning beauty of the area and it's people. We're so happy to see the progress being made at The Old Orchard Store, so many fond memories. The strength of all those impacted is inspiring. We will be back.

[@defgooch33]

Naomi Kowles, thank you very much for informing us on what happened there.

[@timwagers6933]

God Bless each and everyone of the families that went thru this devastating event. Your all in our prayers each and every day.

[@melaniecarroll2538]

If the law requires homeowners insurance… insurance companies should follow through on covering these homes instead of the stupid loop holes they try to scam people over. One price to cover anything that happens to your home!

[@TwoBs]

They’re scummy. The whole insurance umbrella is such a money racket, and anyone that has worked in that type of business before will tell you such (unless they are currently employed under such company and need to make excuses/save face for them to get people to trust the system’s setup for profit lol). I’ve known people to have their homes catch fire while having insurance that is supposed to cover such, yet when it comes down to the homeowner contacting them and saying “hey, this happened, here’s all the information from the investigation showing how it started, where, etc. proving it wasn’t anything intentional” and still be denied or told they can’t pay out because of something thrown in or an extremely vague sentence in the fine print that would conveniently exclude certain circumstances and suddenly apply to their scenario. People that have had to get a lawyer involved to get what their owed in terms of their coverage, but there are so many others who just simply can’t afford to just go and get a lawyer to go over every fine print of the documents to go against the insurance to counter their claims. It shouldn’t have to be like that, yet here we are. We’ve even had our fair share of runaround with insurance trying to raise the costs of coverage by claiming we were in of a flood zone (saying we were 52ft inside of it from the measured outer boundary). In reality, we were actually 75ft away from it entirely after having everything checked over twice with them even sending someone out to be proven that yep, they were wrong. I know 75ft doesn’t seem like much to some, but it does when it comes to down your costs being significantly higher. We have insurance that covers everything, but you have to watch because they will shake people down. I dread if we ever do end up enduring a flood or fire because I just know it’ll be hassle. I’ve yet to meet someone that has had a smooth sail with any of this stuff, but it’s really sh!tty knowing that these people have obviously went though massive devastation on a scale with flooding that is unlike any other for the modern era for Appalachia. I argue that it’s even worse than Katrina ever was, yet these folks are having to be ran through the coals over something they paid for while not being able to even get government help on top of it all. It’s shameful.

[@danad9166]

Thank you for reporting. I live in mid Missouri and have not heard enough about what happened and what people are still doing there.

[@janets6474]

I started watching this and thought you were doing a fair service to what took place here. Right up ti the point when you stated the desth toll. Its too bad you cant report the truth. There are THOUSANDS dead. Bodies were in the trees, found in cars, people washed away from businesses as they were told to stay put by employers, people caught in mud slides. The homeless population in Asheville alone was mostly wiped out. That count as of early 2024 was 749. To this day, Nov 27th, they are still looking for and finding not only bodies but body parts. Those who were swept away were torn apart by tha raging waters and debris like being in a washing machine. Why is it the press REFUSE ti investigate the truth for themselves? Why dont you come here and start interviewing the SARS teams? They can tell you. I saw one who reported finding 25 people in one section of a river. There are over 500 MILES of rivers. The first hand accounts I myself have seen, not counting the homeless in Asheville is well over 200! From what I have seen, so far, this was far worse than Katrina.

[@barbrice721]

I have said this from the beginning. A week and a half after a woman working with body identification said 1000 body bags were full. They needed more 230 were identified. The government has been flying bodies out. And your right. That water was a blender. Some will never be found.

[@dawnevans4518]

I thought the very same thing!!

[@jasonstevens2701]

I’m the News Director at WBTV. Our reporting is not finished on this story. Thank you for watching.

[@janets6474]

@jasonstevens2701 Today, it was revealed that Gov Cooper is ACTIVELY preventing survivors from living in sheds that people came all over this country to build. These are issues that any news organization should be reporting on. Thank you for responding to my post. I post on behalf of those who cant. I BEG you, get these issues out to the public.

[@paulhill3287]

Naomi Knowles - What an awesome documentary - Thank you so much for the detail. I felt the heartache and the love and the thankfulness all in the documentary from each one that spoke. God Bless all the efforts being done - Thank you again for a wonderful and well done documentary. Great Job.

[@ronnieisaacs6960]

This is a great video. The help we got from neighbors, friends, law enforcement, fire & rescue, swift water rescue, Samaritans Purse and all of the volunteers from other parts of NC and especially those traveling 100's of miles from other states, we thank you, we love you and God Bless you all! It's still pretty bad over a month later. FEMA could do a better job. If not for everyone I spoke of, we wouldn't have survived. Only complaint is that the government's help really sucks! $750 + $300 doesn't replace a home and/or a vehicle. Most of us can't afford anything and a lot of us are too old to try again. And for WBTV making this video and everyone involved, thank you 🙏👍

[@michellesmithunroe2463]

The volunteers have been invaluable and FEMA's processes flawed but I was interested to learn that federal funds are allocated to multiple organizations in the form of grants and contracts, including their primary disaster relief partners: Samaritans Purse, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way. In addition, FEMA focuses on hiring locally for many positions including recovery efforts. Those subcontractors will not wear any indication they are representing FEMA, only those handling financial assistance.

[@ronnieisaacs6960]

@@michellesmithunroe2463 Good to know! That actually explains a lot. A lot of people aren't getting any funding because FEMA is non-existent. Most funding from people I've seen is coming from churches and after helping out in 3 counties, I've met nobody that's helping in recovery that is being funded by FEMA. It's coming directly from their pocket. In 3 counties I've seen 1 (one) jacket that said FEMA and he looked at a man's total loss of a mobile home for about 1 minute and left. He hasn't heard anything and was denied a tiny house because the area was labeled a flood zone. Out of 40 years on one spot with his family's home being on that spot before it was demolished for a trailer, it's only flooded this one time. He's living in a tent with a My Buddy heater. A church bought him those!

[@RUNNOFT71]

Sending lots of love from Knoxville Tn to our brothers and sisters in Western Carolina ❤❤.

[@rosebudsbloom45]

God bless your recovery. My heart is heavy for you all that have lost your loved ones and homes.

[@deniseellenburg649]

Sorry, but don't include FEMA in the numbers who "rushed in." It was only the people.

[@helensteen3664]

The prolonged high rainfall during this storm tested the reservoirs beyond their limits. The involvement of the reservoirs is being ignored so questions concerning; preparations for flood control, use of automated emergency systems, evacuation of housing in downstream hazard zones and the effect overflows have upon flood zoning.... remain unanswered. WHY?

[@michellesmithunroe2463]

Excellent question. My research indicates the topic to be a very complex and long standing political issue but it's significant to know that NC opted out of flood reporting requirements, making the state ineligible for up to 75% funding from FEMA designated for upgrades on existing water and sewer systems. I read a great article on a dam that had been updated as the result of the grants for which the state was eligible. The project extended the width, preventing overflow, while creating a secondary overflow using "tip gates" which functioned exactly as intended. Had they not, flooding would have been considerably more catastrophic.

[@enuf2402]

I can set and try and describe the destruction that has happened but there is nothing that can measure the magnitude of what has happened here. It has to be seen to be understood

[@janets6474]

So very well said. Its the magnitude of it all. Then to make matters worse, we now deal with the cold. Shelters are closing, and county officials refusing to let people live in structures like sheds forcing them to freeze inside a tent.

[@michellesmithunroe2463]

​@@janets6474some counties are attempting to find locations for temporary placement of the shed style shelters that don't meet code. Henderson county has arranged for one in partnership with a very generous private donor. Other counties are considering the use of ag shelters and facilities. I know many people would prefer to remain on their property but that may not be possible in the short or, possibly even, long term. Unfortunately, many of those displaced lack safe homesites because of the increased instability of the land above. Any structures in the potential debris flow or likely to disturb land on the scarp can pose dangers to others, incurring potential liability. There's disposal of sewage to consider as well. I know some shelters and "comfort stations" have closed in areas where there's no longer need. I've even seen some community supply depots trying to relocate basic supplies because demand has decreased as recovery progresses.

[@davebeakel6632]

And documentaries like this gloss over the entire thing and minimize the devastation, like she's telling the world how tough we are and we can handle it so don't worry about us - then has the gall to say we are stronger than Helene - as if it's a competition! Or like she's taunting God: "oh is that all you've got?" And making excuses for the FEMA response, or lack thereof

[@janets6474]

@davebeakel6632 And this storm is the worst in US history. Its FAR worse than Katrina because over the next week, more will show up dead because they are freezing to death.

[@hopegeoghegan4184]

All those small towns make up the fabric of the mountains and its people.

[@maxssister1985]

The Tatums built what I dream of. How heartbreaking… life is so fragile. 💔

[@deniseellenburg649]

Where are all your news teams now?????

[@cntrygrlTawanna]

That's what I think too.

[@naomikowles9330]

Still regularly in WNC, still regularly reporting. A documentary takes time to produce and necessarily will be backdated from the current reality, but our daily newscasts are full of ongoing current coverage

[@jasonstevens2701]

I’m the News Director at WBTV. We will continue to report and ask questions/demand answers from officials across all levels. Our reporting is not close to being finished. Thank you for watching.

[@NildaWitty-ug9jv]

God bless America and its kind and generous people. I love you, North Carolina.

[@sharonsnook7113]

Great reporting! God bless all our brothers and sisters working together helping each other get through this. God’s presence is definitely here and he’s so proud of all of you. We give thanks to all our brothers and sisters who are there for all those in need. God bless you all! ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@Bessinger21]

Thank you Naomi, beautiful story. A great historical record of the events of hurricane Helene. Thank you for focusing on the people. Thank You Jesus!

[@mojorising1]

My lights still out and I'm freezing. Thanks FEMA.

[@janets6474]

I am so very. People need to know whats REALLY going on here. The TRUTH about those who are suffering like you is NOT being told.

[@davebeakel6632]

EXACTLY! I want to see the REAL documentary, because I want the TRUTH.

[@Carolb66]

Just horrific, i live in UK & will never forget. God bless everyone, stay strong. RIP to all those poor souls who didnt make it. 💔😢🙏🏻informative documentary this catastrophe will be talked about for generations. Everybody needs to know just how bad this was & the truth about the death toll & how many people are still missing. ❤

[@Griffinand3]

Thank you for this coverage! I pray for all the people there and all the volunteers that are there to help!

[@sharoncovington7023]

Thank you.

[@fionapeace77]

Thank you for this documentary. It is still on going, Never in my 67 years have I seen such. (live in Watauga County)The death toll is way more though. Again, Thank you for the coverage.

[@Robert-rh1en]

Im so sorry fema droped the ball big-time n the government too, there are still people missing ! People still needing help , and private helicopter owners was doing way more n the people of Appalachia are helping each other out n thank God for the ones that have helped ! But there is still help that is needed !!!

[@elizabethtank1123]

Prayers for fast recovery for all affected areas by Hurricane Helene.

[@PhyllisJohnson-lr9bq]

Don't forget Tennessee

[@prixgirl714]

Tennessee hasn't been forgotten, but I'm thinking this documentary focused on North Carolina since this news channel is based out of Charlotte.

[@utahvalleypermaculture208]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ to all you victims and all these volunteers . God Bless

[@JeremyCurry5]

Well done on this documentary. In early October, the Holy Spirit called my family (my wife and 2 small kids) to travel from Northern Indiana to assist. We ended up embedded in Spruce Pine. The devestation is unspeakable and although we were only there a week, it still haunts me. But…in the midst of everything, God showed up. I’ve never seen so many miracles. One of them being that many of His people heard the call and did what Jesus asked them to do. In Genesis, God used a flood to take out the wicked. As we get closer to the end, God used a flood to bring His people together. Still supporting yall from afar. May God continue to bless you all!

[@janets6474]

Thank you for coming here. While this documentary started out good, they blew it when they got to the death toll which is in the thousands. I eagerly await the day when SOMEBODY will tell the truth of the real horror, the deaths that have occured.

[@JeremyCurry5]

@@janets6474 agreed. The death toll is way higher than any numbers we are hearing. I suspect that as things progress, we will start to hear the real number.

[@boonedog1457]

Naomi, You have an outstanding speaking voice. Well done to you and your crew. Blessings! 🙏

[@HomeEF]

100 lives claimed ??!! Hummm

[@amandafrost-trott5198]

That’s what I said! And I think they are stretching a certain part about the help in here as well.

[@user-SahmJuanElse]

The latest list of missing I have seen is over 400.

[@ValerieWinburn]

@@user-SahmJuanElse12k+ 🥵

[@cindyjohnson9783]

It's more then that. They have said they have them in morgue and packed in refrigerator trucks stack up. They not calling them dead but undead cause they don't know who they are.

[@user-SahmJuanElse]

@@SteveAustin-jp3ev If that is true, we are behaving like the Germans did in WW II and they LOST. Americans have always been more nimble and quicker to react than the rest of the world. We are still those people. Government needs to get out of the way.

[@dawnnobody8135]

Why was there no mention of the many people who are still missing? What a smack in the face to those families who have no closure. Shameful.

[@MrMountainMan]

Here in WNC and would have never thought a hurricane would be so destructive to the mountains. Still praying for everyone that was hit the hardest. These folks here are as strong as the granite these mountains are made of.

[@nicolewright9093]

The numbers are so much higher

[@GratefulBiscuit]

You must have an id to confirm a death. There's nothing sinister there. Our bones, bits of our homes, our loves and lives will rise from the mud through the ages. There is nothing being hidden. If you aren't here, you don't know, please, be respectful, of our lives, our lost, and our land. It's not fodder. We are not divided.

[@mllewendy1]

​@@GratefulBiscuitThen you provide the number of unidentified dead. Period.

[@hime273]

@GratefulBiscuit I don't know where y'all came up with that claim from, because it makes absolutely no sense. That is not a Government Policy or Law anywhere in the US. There are tons of Murder Cases around the Country throughout history, where there was no actual body to Identify that somebody was even killed. They just dont release the real numbers in these situations, because they don't want the normies to realize the results of Government Weaponized Weather Warfare. Because destruction is the whole reason they spend Billions (Trillions worldwide) in Tax Money every year to control the Weather.

[@melissaciswhoibe9183]

Hundreds of residents across 27 counties that were affected in WNC have said the same exact thing Nicole, in hundreds of interviews in hundreds of videos. Never have we needed identification to give a body count. The only time we needed identification was to reach next of kin and to publicly release the deceased person's name. Praying for everyone affected by the evil hurricane Helene. 🙏 🫶 We will never forget this unprecedented catastrophic event. Mountain Strong. ❤

[@beverleybarnes5656]

​@@mllewendy1 What about body parts? Would each limb that's found be classed as a separate person, in your mind, before DNA is completed?

[@queenmothervirgomaat9969]

1000 years of undoing lies starts here!

[@dawnevans4518]

I couldn't agree more!!!

[@RikAbramss]

I live in Olympia Washington and I just want to say that was a touching video I hope everybody over there is doing a lot better now

[@kdbmovies]

Thank you. Very good reporting.

[@peedeeaerialproductions]

Continued Prayers each and every day for all of these people affected by this devastating event ❤️🙏🏻

[@joannemcniff4210]

I live in Henderson County, we've been here for 11 years. I thought Fred was bad, but that was nothing compared to the damage and destruction caused by Helene. My self and my family are very fortunate and blessed we came thru with minor and I mean minor damage. Two streets over from where my Mom and my Sister live six homes are condemned until construction remediation has been completed. It started raining Tues,,then rained harder on Wednesday and like the lady in the video said the hurricane hadn't even gotten here yet. By the time Helene got here the ground was already so saturated the water had no where to go. I saw water in places I never saw it before.

[@williamhampton2366]

It's great FEMA was in communication with the politicians, but they have done little for the people here in WNC. As for the "thousands" of troops....less than 4,000 were sent here. They are mostly gone now. During the natural disasters that have hit the US in the past 20 years, the minimum deployment was 15,000. I guess we are just a bunch of irrelevant hillbillies.

[@dawnevans4518]

Spot on!!

[@starnealy4550]

Well, let's see, we had the Governor of N.C. on it. People who owned a place in the mountains, just happened to be from Wisconsin too, retirees, with horses on their property, and 5 dogs, Gastonia and Belmont policeman in it, a woman who store is being rebuilt, and the National Guards for goodness sake. All pitching the wonderful things they are doing. But no mention of the problems with FEMA: 1) taking care package from people saying they'll distribute, and they don't know the area, who's in need and who isn't; Meaning not trained! 2) the small shelter homes being made, not allowing them to be put down, 3) We see FEMA living in nice single wide trailers in a secured area, with power and sewage and water too I guess, but not the mountain people; 3) The best one is a HUGE Debrie pile that is being worked on, and the cadaver dogs have indicated deceased people in this large pile. So, these volunteers, mind you, with chain saws, large machines to pick heavy stuff up, they report the possibility of deceased individuals and say they planned to come back the next day and start again on the Debrie pile. But low and behold, FEMA has shown up and set the whole thing on fire, preventing loved ones from being identified, definitely training missing here. These people are being paid $30.00 per hour and upwards but don't do anything. Not a single person who is poor, working-class person is reflecting in this documentary! It showed all the "RIGHT PEOPLE" and their statements of what they've done to get that out to the public but there are hundreds upon hundreds of poor families living in tents and not allowed to use the small homes as shelters and no response on that either, mind you. Oh, someone said that the area is a flood zone, well yes, just like down on the coast, where they get flooded more times than I can mention and they get help on temporary housing, get to rebuild their homes and stay in the area of their homes. July 1916 was the last time this mountain area had a massive flood in the mountains, 108 years ago. It's yearly down on the coast. But the mountain people aren't being helped in any way shape, form or fashion. Thanks you volunteers who have generously came down to help Americans in need. It seems OUR GOVERNMENT DOESN'T WANT TO HELP!

[@dawnevans4518]

Absolutely right!!!

[@TruthRemainsTheTruth]

Bingo Well stated

[@shirleys765]

Excellent documentary. I pray to God for all these people and will continue.

[@williamwilson6499]

The same god who sent the storm?

[@belindamassey2700]

Glad you are getting the word out! God has a plan for you and to give you hope. This was the ladies word she quoted from Bible. God has a plan❤

[@sidr2009]

Ask Pat Robertson why Helene struck.

[@GratefulBiscuit]

I keep watching this in tiny clips, I can't watch it, but I know it needs done. It's not over from here. Grief and hope are all mixed up. Trying to work my way through.... I wonder how this will be to look back on years down the road, if I make it through the winter.

[@georgiadupree3841]

You got this. Head up and shoulders back. Too many Christians are praying, donating and volunteering just so you can have hope and a future.

[@aceoffice776]

It has to be seen. North of Asheville here....I dont think the world knows just how much devastation ❤here. It is unbelievable. The videos do not show just how huge this is. It is vast. The amount of areas impacted are just not fathonable. This is huge. So many rural communities. It goes so much further than Asheville news shows. It is enormous....absolutely devastating. Lives are washed away.....land is washd away....you can not imagine. God is here. He has sent so many beautiful souls here. Absolutely amazing....people helping people!!!! It is incredible. Thank you for all your love.

[@valeriericksmithlovett428]

@@aceoffice776 ♥♥♥

[@GratefulBiscuit]

@georgiadupree3841 ❤️‍🩹💙

[@GratefulBiscuit]

@@georgiadupree3841 ❤️‍🩹💙. Happy thanksgiving and thank you, so much.

[@ruthnagarya2028]

Then WHY has the military LEFT Western N.Carolina ????? They STILL need help ???

[@tonnocapo]

Beautiful story in light of so much devastation and tragedy. These are the moments that show the true human spirit. I wish it didn't take a natural disaster for us to remember what is important.

[@Minivanmusician]

We've promised to cover this for at least the next YEAR. We're here in Marion and we've been assisting since day 5 and we've got some material up now but MANY, MANY more interviews and much more information on every aspect that we're still uploading. Some things people need to know (and there's a lot of good in this video) .. °We're near the most developed area of Marion and weren't even hit as hard as other places and much of the town had no power for 4 weeks. °I had no cell or data service for 17 days, within a 35 mile radius. Can't imagine some other areas. °Thousands of people are still living in tents and cleaning up EXTREMELY toxic soil and water. It's full of horrible chemicals and burns through things. °I almost puked when i heard "FEMA" ... it was a verrrrry long time before they showed and they did nothing. The regular people have been amazing and they came from all over the country for our church and probably 50 other churches!

[@kimjohnson8471]

Salt of the earth people. ❤

[@sueholder1822]

Why do they keep saying famous here help famous here but they're not helping they're building a couple big sites for their workers and no workers have been here yet people could be living in them trailers they have on them sites what's going on this is wrong and God will make them pay for it

[@amyvinson4398]

I love this! Thank you for sharing all the story. The real tragedy but the victory in Jesus, too. Most media don't tell the Hope in trouble. Thank you!

[@GroovyGrandpa2]

Harris,Biden, admin sleeping at the wheel,could have acted faster,called army corps of engineers to help with bridges roads and infrastructure. Remove all dams that impeded river flow. More FEMA trailers faster.more hotels for our citizens.. giving illegals the same tax money that these people paid in.

[@oldspiritart]

This is the America I know. People help and no one discusses religion or politics.😮We lived on a peninsula, Newport News, Va., and every year we prepared for hurricane season. Most years we were missed, some years we got grazed, some years we got hit. We all pulled together to clear the roads, check each house, remove hazards, grill thawing foods for meals for block dinners (we needed a lot of food, working hard) and securing water. FEMA was a mythical unicorn we never saw, we had to buy our own water from local grocers, who used generators to ring up the water…not sure what FEMA did as far as helping local authorities with water sanitation or anything else, never saw them in all my years there. Nope, you are on your own in an emergency, and you will be without power and water for sometimes weeks. But we could and did depend on each other, so, plan accordingly if an emergency comes to your neighborhood, rely on yourself and those around you, you’d be amazed at how helpful and hardworking people truly are.😍

[@melissahinkley7629]

I saw a video the other day about the homelessness that Helene has caused. There were a little over 100 homeless children in North Carolina before Helene (I think it said 132?) After Helene, it's over 1000 kids that authorities know of, that have been reported as homeless or displaced anyway. They believe the number is higher, and that's just children; the number does not include adults. Many people are still living in campers and tents. Many families are scrambling to find more permanent housing before winter comes. Truly sad!!! I wish there was something I could do to help. I'm a single mom from MI. Does anyone know of any legitimate charities or Go Fund Me accounts that are helping with hurricane relief? If I do donate, I want to make sure the money is going to where it's supposed to. I'll keep praying for North Carolina.

[@Minivanmusician]

23:10 - one of the biggest lies I've EVER heard told! 🤬

[@dawnevans4518]

I couldn't agree more!!!

[@hfrt29]

Hurricanes tornadoes are just the most frightening thing on the planet

[@hime273]

TAX Funded Weather Warfare

[@Mandoslicer]

Why do you exist? To troll and make things in our town worse? You sir need to take a look at yourself in the mirror. Either that or you are a shitty bank of computers in Bot Town Idaho. Please stay away.

[@Mandoslicer]

You are a bot. Troll away from us…way away. We don’t need your energy here.

[@a_kraeft97]

Get lost

[@chriswitt2596]

Oh it's so sad to watch these videos

[@Jason4Star]

Shooting from the hip here as I have not yet watched the video, but I think it is a little premature to be making a documentary about the impact of Hurricane Hellene already. The effects are still ongoing. People are now heading into winter with no shelter. THIS ISN'T OVER....

[@edwinramos7848]

I cry man I live in Swannanoa and it’s heartbreaking I rmm evacuating

[@leopardspotsmusic]

Prayers for all! 💔

[@3SunsMusic]

Thank you for this coverage, well done and insightful to many not in our area. Praying that volunteers, monetary support and government aid continue not only to be there for these communities in their time of recovery, but grow and remain steadfast for as long as the need exist. God bless those who are hurt and suffering so much loss, and may strength and determination only grow stronger in the days ahead with each of them and also for those involved in finding the many love ones who are missing. #ButGod

[@Lulu-Dixon]

Love and prayers to our WNC neighbors ❤

[@suzihardy4503]

You failed to mention that there are no longer any National Guard there helping. They have all been pulled ou leaving many still living in tents with snow on the ground. The only help anyone can count on comes from the LORD. We cannot put our trust in the arm of flesh, only in the arm of the LORD.

[@haou132]

Merci and blessings +++!!!

[@rebegre]

The people come and help because of the love of Jesus shed abroad in their hearts. They also come because the roots of the Appalachians run deep and wide throughout this country and those of us who know our roots will not stand by and watch their suffering without remembering our relatives and ancestors that taught us to love well, be strong in the face of adversity and roll up your sleeves and get the work done together.

[@Mandoslicer]

Can anyone get me in touch with Bob Tatum? I am bluegrass musician mainly but I have a good amount of decent knives. I’ll drive up from Asheville and gift him a serious folding knife.

[@sunshinehoward9649]

Never curse the land. I can understand....but it did nothing to you but be itself. I love ya'll and miss you dearly.

[@deniseellenburg649]

Performance journalism. I HATE IT!

[@whereswendy8544]

Just unreal!

[@peterrichard3706]

With the cold coming, hope there ok

[@sueholder1822]

And people all across the country that care about us care about the American people

[@AmericanGirl6128]

I'm Mitchell County... absolutely no idea that anything Could be like that.. this

[@AmericanGirl6128]

My roommate is a News hound.. I'm always in Ukraine...we both were floored and devastated.. lucky, but Wow

[@sueholder1822]

National Guards been great but they're all that's here for us

[@KimHancken-mq5uf]

The more I listen the more it feels like a propaganda piece. Touting the success of Fema, Natl Guard and the military sure doesn't match up with hundreds of stories I've heard over these past few months. 🤔

[@dawnevans4518]

could not agree more!!

[@TruthRemainsTheTruth]

Exactly !!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel sumthin running down my back and it ain't rain !!!!! And to make it worse at the expense of any soul that has lost their life.