Tyler Brooks
Hurricane Helene caused major flooding and destruction in North Carolina, with widespread power outages and blocked roads. Rumors circulated on social media about 2000 people being trapped in a church in Candler, NC, without food for six days. However, these claims were later debunked by local residents, government officials, and news outlets. While Candler was impacted by the hurricane, with temporary disruptions to power and water supplies, it was not as severely affected as nearby areas. FEMA and other relief organizations provided assistance to the affected regions in North Carolina, distributing supplies and conducting search and rescue operations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Affected Areas | Candler, Buncombe County, Broad River, Black Mountain, Asheville, French Broad River, Marshall, Polk County, Mill Spring, Pigeon River, Canton, Busick, Appalachian State, Hickory, Western Carolina University, Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort, Mount Mitchell |
| Impact | Flooding, landslides, road closures, washed away bridges and roads, water damage to homes and businesses, fallen trees and power lines, power outages, curfew in Asheville, university closures |
| Relief Efforts | FEMA sent over 1,200 urban search-and-rescue personnel; NCDOT worked to reopen roads; Verizon, T-Mobile, and Starlink provided connectivity; Duke Energy worked to restore power; Tryon International provided food, water, shelter, and support |
| Misinformation | Rumors of 2,000 people trapped in a church in Candler, NC, were widely spread on social media but later debunked by local residents, officials, and news outlets |
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What You'll Learn
- Candler, NC faced temporary power and water supply issues
- False rumors of 2000 people being trapped in a church circulated on social media
- FEMA sent over 1200 search-and-rescue personnel to Western North Carolina
- North Carolina National Guard soldiers rescued over 400 people
- Verizon set up Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help survivors stay connected
Candler, NC faced temporary power and water supply issues
Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across North Carolina, with Governor Roy Cooper stating that the "devastation [brought about by the hurricane] is beyond belief". Communities were "wiped off the map", and the hurricane caused major flooding and destruction, with high winds felling many trees and power lines. Candler, NC, was also impacted, albeit to a lesser degree.
Candler, a small town with a population of between 25,000 and 30,000 people, faced temporary disruptions to its power and water supply in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Washington Post and other outlets reported that some areas of Candler experienced temporary outages of power and water supplies. However, it is important to clarify that misinformation regarding the impact of the hurricane in Candler has been spreading on social media. Rumors, such as thousands of people being trapped in a church in Candler without food, have been debunked by local residents, government officials, and news outlets.
The impact of Hurricane Helene on power and water supplies in Candler was temporary. Duke Energy worked diligently to restore power, and by October 8, 95% of the 360 substations damaged or destroyed by the hurricane had been restored. This restoration of power allowed for the resumption of critical services, such as the operation of quarries necessary for road repairs. NCDOT, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, also played a crucial role in reopening roads and coordinating relief efforts. They faced challenges due to the mountainous terrain and ongoing flooding but made steady progress in restoring road access.
In addition to power outages, Candler and the surrounding areas in Buncombe County experienced water supply issues due to flooding. Waterways associated with the French Broad River basin exceeded previous records, and floodwaters covered parts of I-40 and US 74, resulting in road closures and washed-out bridges. The high winds brought down trees and power lines, further exacerbating the situation. However, through the efforts of various agencies and volunteers, relief and recovery operations were able to reach those in need.
The impact of Hurricane Helene on Candler, NC, resulted in temporary disruptions to power and water supplies. The spread of misinformation during the aftermath of the hurricane highlights the importance of fact-checking and relying on reputable sources for accurate updates on relief efforts and the situation on the ground.
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False rumors of 2000 people being trapped in a church circulated on social media
Hurricane Helene caused major flooding and destruction in North Carolina, with widespread misinformation about relief efforts circulating on social media. False rumors of 2000 people being trapped in a church in Candler, NC, starving for six days, were spread via Facebook and Twitter. The story claimed that a volunteer helicopter crew rescued these people, and donations were solicited via Venmo. However, this rumor was debunked by local residents, government officials, and news outlets. Candler residents and local churches confirmed that no such incident occurred, and the small town's population made it unlikely that a church could hold 2000 people. FEMA's dedicated webpage also addressed widespread rumors.
The false rumor of 2000 people trapped in a church in Candler, NC, was spread via social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. The original post, made by an unidentified woman, described a dramatic rescue by helicopter and requested donations via Venmo. While the woman later acknowledged that her story was not accurate, she maintained that she was raising money for legitimate relief work. The post went viral, with people sharing it and expressing shock and concern. However, it was soon debunked by various sources.
Local residents of Candler, NC, were quick to refute the rumor. A resident of Candler, Sarah Reams, stated that she had cell service for most of the time and monitored local and national news, yet there was no report of such an incident. She also doubted that a church in Candler could hold that many people, given the town's size. Other residents joined the "Hurricane Helene Safety Check-In" Facebook group to cast doubt on the claims, providing firsthand accounts of the situation in Candler.
Local churches in Candler were also contacted, and they confirmed that no such rescue had taken place at their sites. Edgewood Baptist Church, one of the prominent churches in the area, stated that they had seen the rumor circulating online but had no knowledge of it happening in person. Pole Creek Baptist Church also denied that the incident occurred and provided information on their donation and volunteer activities. Additionally, the helicopter pilot, who remained unnamed, responded on Facebook, clarifying that no one was stranded, but he had delivered food to 2,000 people without access to food.
Government officials also addressed the rumor. North Carolina's House of Representative from the 115th district, Lindsey Prather, categorically denied the rumor. Congressman Chuck Edwards, whose district covers most of the mountains in the region, sent a lengthy email to constituents urging them to fact-check information found on social media. He and his team debunked several rumors related to FEMA, the FAA, and government weather control. Buncombe County spokeswoman Lillian Govus also confirmed that the story, which originated from people outside the area, was false.
The widespread misinformation about the situation in North Carolina caused confusion and impeded official relief efforts. FEMA has set up a dedicated webpage to address rumors, and leaders across the region have begged the public to stop spreading unverified facts. This incident highlights the potential consequences of sharing unverified information on social media during times of crisis, as it can distract from legitimate relief efforts and spread misinformation about the situation on the ground.
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FEMA sent over 1200 search-and-rescue personnel to Western North Carolina
Hurricane Helene caused major flooding and destruction in North Carolina, particularly in the western part of the state. The storm resulted in an unprecedented response from local, federal, and state resources, including FEMA, which sent over 1,200 urban search-and-rescue personnel to Western North Carolina.
FEMA's response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina included sending more than 1,200 search-and-rescue personnel to the affected areas. These personnel were tasked with finding and rescuing stranded people and animals, as well as providing essential support to the local communities. The deployment of such a large number of search-and-rescue teams reflects the scale and urgency of the disaster caused by the hurricane.
The search-and-rescue personnel were comprised of teams from various states, including North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, Colorado, and New Hampshire. One specific team mentioned is Maryland Task Force One, a federally funded urban search-and-rescue team based in Montgomery County, Maryland. They were involved in searching for human remains in the Swannanoa River and in the debris of flooded structures, as the unofficial death toll from the hurricane was well over 100 in North Carolina.
The FEMA search-and-rescue teams worked alongside other organizations such as the National Guard and the U.S. Army to provide relief and assistance to the impacted communities. The National Guard played a crucial role in delivering essential supplies, including water and food. As of October 2024, over 500 people had been rescued, with at least 422 of those rescues conducted by the North Carolina National Guard.
The hurricane caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including power outages and road closures. Duke Energy worked diligently to restore power, reporting that 95% of substations had been restored as of October 8. The NCDOT made steady progress in reopening roads, ensuring critical access to reservoirs and coordinating relief efforts. The Mobile Connectivity Center, equipped with laptops, charging stations, and Wi-Fi, was also set up to help survivors stay connected and access necessary resources.
FEMA's presence in Western North Carolina extended beyond search-and-rescue missions. They provided over $96 million in Individual Assistance funds to disaster survivors, and more than 160,000 people registered for this assistance. Additionally, FEMA staff were actively involved in meeting with survivors in shelters and neighborhoods, providing rapid access to relief resources and helping with the recovery process.
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North Carolina National Guard soldiers rescued over 400 people
Hurricane Helene caused major flooding and destruction in North Carolina, with the west of the state being hit particularly hard. The storm led to landslides and flooding that cut internet and cell service and forced the closure of Interstate 40 and more than 400 other roads. The impact of the hurricane was described as “catastrophic” by Governor Roy Cooper.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, rescue teams, including the North Carolina National Guard, were deployed to assist with search and rescue operations and deliver critical supplies. Governor Cooper activated more than 700 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen, with 275 vehicles and 15 aircraft deployed in Western North Carolina. The National Guard worked alongside local and state emergency responders, with the assistance of approximately 1,700 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and 1,000 active-duty military personnel.
The North Carolina National Guard played a crucial role in the rescue and relief efforts. They conducted ongoing search and rescue operations, delivered critical supplies, and facilitated the distribution of food, water, and other basic necessities to affected communities. Their efforts resulted in the rescue of over 400 people, in addition to the evacuation of nearly 4,700 individuals and the rescue of more than 110 pets.
The National Guard operated helicopters and specialized vehicles to assist in the rescue missions. They also partnered with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to help clear roads and improve access for emergency operations. The Guard's efforts were part of a larger coordinated response that included local, state, federal, private, and non-profit partners working together to provide essential support to those impacted by the hurricane.
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Verizon set up Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help survivors stay connected
Hurricane Helene caused major flooding and destruction in North Carolina, with residents of Candler, NC, reporting a lack of food and no communication. In response to the hurricane, Verizon set up Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help survivors stay connected with their loved ones and access important resources. These centers are designed to provide critical connectivity and support to communities impacted by disasters like hurricanes.
Verizon's Wireless Emergency Communication Centers are mobile units equipped with device charging stations, computer workstations, wireless phones, tablets, and other devices. They are powered by generators, ensuring that survivors can access these resources even in areas with power outages. The centers provide a vital link for individuals to connect with their friends, family, and other support systems during a challenging time.
Verizon has a long history of providing communications solutions during crises. For over 30 years, they have partnered with first responders and public safety agencies to deliver secure and reliable connections when they are needed most. Their commitment to supporting communities in times of emergency has been evident in their response to Hurricane Helene.
The hurricane caused significant damage to the energy grid in North Carolina, with 360 substations affected. As a result, many residents were left without power, and communication networks were disrupted. Verizon's Wireless Emergency Communication Centers played a crucial role in restoring connectivity, enabling survivors to contact their loved ones and access essential services.
In addition to the communication centers, Verizon's disaster recovery fleet includes various vehicles equipped with satellite and cellular technologies. These assets, with colorful names like "Big Red" and "COW (Cell on Wheels)," provide mobile workstations, command centers, and connectivity solutions. By deploying these resources, Verizon helps first responders and communities stay connected and coordinate relief efforts effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Candler was impacted by Hurricane Helene, which swept across the Southeast, causing major flooding and destruction throughout North Carolina. However, the town was not as badly affected as nearby areas.
No, this was a rumour that spread on social media. Local residents, churches, and government officials have all denied that this happened.
Hurricane Helene caused major flooding and destruction in North Carolina. Communities were wiped off the map, and over 57,000 people applied for FEMA assistance. There were also widespread power outages, with Duke Energy reporting that 360 substations were damaged or destroyed. The storm also made cell towers difficult to fix, and many roads were closed due to flooding and landslides.
