By Laura West
The rain began to fall in the North Carolina mountains long before the brutality of the storm reached the area. Hurricane Helene made landfall in northwestern Florida on Thursday night, September 26. No one was aware of the tragedy it would cause.
The torrential rain caused widespread flooding, more than these people in the mountains of North Carolina had ever seen. Now countless homes are destroyed, and even more are considered uninhabitable, which leaves so many people in need. A significant amount of homes that weren’t underwater or suffering structural damage are still left without power and clean water. The death toll from Hurricane Helene has surpassed 230, with many more hurting and suffering gravely. As more people get closer to the most devastated areas, our hearts ache knowing that number will rise.
Major highways and interstates have been closed, and small-town roads are totally gone; huge chunks of pavement washed completely away. Popular cities, such as Asheville, have been utterly saturated by muddy water from the severe storm. The flood swept through beautiful tourist towns, such as Chimney Rock, leaving splintered wood and mud in its place.
Emotional Impact
The physical damage from the massive amounts of rainfall is certainly devastating. But the impact the damage has on individuals is much worse.
Homes have been destroyed, soaked by debris-filled water. Furniture, tools, toys, books, heirlooms, and all sorts of investments have been ruined or severely damaged by the floods. The bodies of family and friends have been found, but countless others are still missing. Cell service has been spotty or non-existent leaving mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, without any way to communicate with their loved ones and determine if they are okay.
Lives have been turned completely upside down and innumerable lives will never be the same.
Help is on the Way
In times of desperate need, swarms of people rally to the rescue. We’ve seen it before in other natural disasters, in unexpected days of upturned routines. Organizations collect donations to send to those who have been affected by the storm. Individuals and companies send truckloads of water bottles, towels, coats, and other supplies to the locations of worst destruction. Churches recruit people to go on mission trips to bring relief. Those with power, water, food, and shelter open their homes and businesses to the people who don’t have such things. First responders, linemen, and anyone with the skills and willingness to help spend every waking hour in search of people, working in dangerous situations, and lending their labor with generous hearts to help.
What to Do in the Wake of Disaster
Losing your home, a loved one, a business, or a livelihood is earth-shattering. Some days it feels like there is no way to cope with the weight of sorrow. Roads and homes will be rebuilt. Businesses will be built back up. The power will come back on. But lives cannot be replaced, and memories cannot be wiped away. It’s right to grieve, to be sorrowful. In times like this when all looks dark, we need something we can turn to for hope.
Romans 12:12
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”
As much as we want to find swift relief and hope in what we have right in front of us, it just isn’t possible. This world can never satisfy us. And when you think about it, isn’t that so comforting? To know that this world, with its unpredictable storms, disappointments, and heartaches can’t satisfy us. And to take comfort in knowing that there is something—someone—who is not unpredictable (He never changes), never disappoints (He keeps His promises), and loves beyond measure! It is difficult—if not impossible at times—to notice and remember the hope we have in Christ. The affliction is still here, but so is the hope. In the wake of the waters that have shaken many of our lives, cling to the Savior.
Laura West is a wife, homemaker, and writer seeking to make Christ known through her words. You can find her on Instagram @lauraewest_ and @pleasureinagoodnovel.