Hurricane Helene Recovery, Rebuild Continues in Mountain Communities

Flooding and landslides in the wake of Hurricane Helene left many mountain communities reeling with loss of life and property in September 2024. Samaritan’s Purse initially provided disaster relief across a broad expanse of rugged mountains in western North Carolina and far eastern Tennessee, as well as in Georgia and Florida.

So many of our neighbors are hurting. We're thankful that we can respond and help in Jesus' Name.

Learn about volunteer opportunities with our rebuild efforts and other disaster relief opportunities, and please continue to pray for all those affected by the storm and for our teams as they serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Historic Destruction Across Western North Carolina

Helene tore a deadly path through the mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, dumping extreme rainfall and causing catastrophic flash flooding. Numerous locations received from 12 to 31 inches of rain between Sept. 25–27.

Some towns were left in ruins. Toppled trees covered the landscape. Roads and bridges were washed out. Homes and businesses were destroyed by flooding and landslides. Many homes remained without power or running water for weeks.

Samaritan's Purse responded quickly, transporting supplies aboard trucks and also on hundreds of relief flights using our own helicopter and the fixed-wing assets of partnering organizations to assist cut-off communities. We airlifted many tons of food, water, generators, fuel, Starlink systems, heaters, solar lights, and blankets.

We also used ground transportation to deliver critically needed items, including generators, cold weather clothing, and other items.

For weeks after the storm, we deployed tens of thousands of volunteers across the region to clean out flooded homes, tarp roofs, and cut up fallen trees. Through this work, we shared the Good News of Jesus Christ, and more than 350 individuals received Him as Lord and Savior.

Our relief efforts included areas throughout Watauga County—home to Samaritan’s Purse international headquarters in the town of Boone—and in neighboring counties (Avery/Ashe) around North Carolina’s high country and into Tennessee (Johnson County).

We also had a Burnsville base for Mitchell and Yancey Counties and an Asheville base for Buncombe County and beyond.

In addition to cutting up downed trees, mudding out homes, removing debris, and tarping roofs, our teams operated heavy equipment to clear private driveways and private roads.

Volunteers also stayed hard at work for weeks after the storm in Florida and in Valdosta, Georgia. We continue to serve areas of Georgia impacted by the Category 4 storm.

Read More

• Egyptian Family in Boone Provided with New Car After Helene
• God's Blessings in Hendersonville
• A Plumber Gets His Livelihood Back After Hurricane Helene
• President Donald Trump and Franklin Graham Meet Hurricane Survivors in North Carolina
• Fire Chief Reflects on God's Work in His Community After Helene
• Firefighter Receives Camper from Samaritan's Purse
• JD Vance Joins Edward Graham in Helene-Ravaged North Carolina
• Volunteers Serve a Carolina Family Mourning Terrible Loss
• Love Arrives After the Storm
• Samaritan's Purse Starts Five-Site Response to Hurricane Helene