1,000+ Missing Amid Devastating Disasters Across South: HELP

Coverage by Kay Smythe — Thousands of people were reported missing in late September following a series of devastating floods and other natural disasters throughout the South, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida from Hurricane Helene.

Heavy rain hit at least a day before the devastation from Hurricane Helene unleashed across the South, killing at least 103 people as of Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, according to CNN. Reports circulating across social media, which appear to be more up-to-date than most corporate mainstream reportage at the time of writing, suggest the total death toll will increase throughout the coming days as bodies are recovered from vehicles and other places where the food waters recede. HOW TO HELP WITH HELENE’S RECOVERY IN NC

Some 600 people are currently missing in Buncombe County, where the city of Asheville is located, CBS17 reported. Roads throughout the mountains of western N.C. and eastern T.N. are largely cut-off from many resources as roads are completely destroyed or impassable due to floodwaters and/or debris. In some areas, such as Chimney Rock, half of the town’s infrastructure were washed away.

Millions Without Power, Water, Food, Medicine

The total number of people without access to power Monday reached well into the millions across eight different states, Word and Way reported.

“Folks, there’s no way to [sugarcoat] it. The situation in Western North Carolina is becoming more dire by the hour. Residents are still without power and do not readily have access to food and water. I am urging Governor Roy Cooper to send in more help immediately. We need to deploy more National Guard personnel, and surge additional Search and Rescue teams,” N.C.’s Republican Lieutenant Gov. Mark Robinson said Sunday (Sept. 29).

What Happens Next?

Five other systems were developing in the Atlantic at the time of writing, at least one of which could turn into a tropical storm by Thursday (Oct. 3) or Friday (Oct. 4), pushing more wet weather through the south before potentially turning into something more threatening the following week. (LEARN MORE: Christians Called To Shine ‘Light’ On ‘Dark Institutions’)

As we saw with Helene, you cannot exclusively trust the National Weather Service (NWS) and media to tell you when your life is in danger from natural disaster. You are the only person who can save you, and your chances of survival only increase once you accept this responsibility. The second most important aspect of your survival is your community.

Biden-Harris Response

Exclusive reports received by Million Voices suggest people across western N.C. deep into the mountains, are coming together in the wake of this catastrophe. They are sharing, knowing there may be days or weeks ahead without access to any significant modernity as the limited rescue efforts on the part of the Biden-Harris administration continue to threaten lives.

When asked if there is anything more the administration is willing to do, President Joe Biden said, “no.” Vice President Kamala Harris spend the weekend raising $55 million for her campaign for president instead of working to mitigate this tragedy by coordinating relief efforts, according to Reuters.

Reporter: “Do you have any words to the victims of the hurricane?”

Biden: “We’ve given everything that we have.”

Reporter “Are there any more resources the federal government could be giving them?”

Biden: “No.”pic.twitter.com/AETCVjcZM1

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 30, 2024

At the same time, we’re seeing reports of increased crime, violence, and ongoing civil unrest amid the crisis. Similar claims were shared on social media by Turning Point’s Charlie Kirk and other users.

Elections Don’t End Tragedy

Like all of the biggest issues facing our great nation in 2024, the catastrophic floods and ongoing disaster throughout the South won’t suddenly disappear after the 2024 presidential election. Now is the time to use your voice to ensure these crises stay front of mind for all of your elected officials.

Our nation is at a crossroads, dealing with pivotal issues that directly impact your daily lives – from ensuring religious freedom, fair and secure elections, to fighting against inflation from foreign governments and groups, and advocating for secure borders. The strength of our community, the rights of our parents, and the protection of girls’ sports, life, and the economy are not just political issues; they are the fabric of our society. It’s time to take a stand against crime, reform our institutions, and ensure the prosperity and security of our nation.

GET YOUR VOTER GUIDE: Did you know that most people get their political information from friends and family? You are the #1 source of information for your loved ones, more than social media or corporate news, so why not stay completely up-to-date and informed on how to protect America today. Remember; the active involvement of citizens is essential to upholding election integrity.

Sign up for millionvoices.org today (text MV to 80550) to get your FREE VOTER GUIDE for November 2024. No bias. No opinion. Just FACTS.

Did you know that you, your family, and friends can send letters directly to your elected officials today, and this is the only way to ensure your voice is heard by your lawmakers — whether it’s election season or not? Tell your leaders what you want from their time in office, and what you expect from our federal government. Letter-writing campaigns, or even just a single letter, can be enough to sway policy and create positive change. And you won’t even have to lift a pen!