Newland, North Carolina — At the Mountain River Family Campground in western North Carolina, the North Toe River isn’t the only thing that gushes — customers do too.”It’s beautiful because you’re kind of nestled in a valley in this campground,” one guest told CBS News. This week, the remnants of Hurricane Helene turned this slice of heaven into a disaster zone.Suzanne Garland, whose family owns the campground, returned for the first time after the storm to find the campground unrecognizable. “It just looks like a tornado ripped everything up and spit it back out,” she said. Every building and bit of infrastructure was destroyed.As of Friday, 225 deaths across six states have been attributed to Helene, with 114 in North Carolina.
“My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced the unthinkable loss,” President Joe Biden said after surveying the devastation in the Carolinas. He estimated that recovery efforts will cost “billions of dollars” and confirmed that the federal government will cover all debris removal and emergency protective measures for six months in North Carolina.
Despite the destruction, Garland spoke of signs of hope. “It was just like the campground was calling out to us, reminding us not to give up,” she said.
Initially, the family considered moving away, but the sunrise after the storm rekindled their hope. “The light will always find a way to push through,” Garland added, reinforcing their decision to rebuild.
Support from customers and strangers has poured in, with people reserving campsites they know they won’t be able to use, just to help the campground recover. “It warms your heart,” Garland said. “We’re strong, and I know we’ll make it.”
Expert Discussion: Long-Term Recovery After Natural Disasters
For a better understanding, we spoke to Dr. Emily Reynolds, a disaster recovery expert, and Mike Johnson, an environmental scientist, about the postmillennial aftereffects of Hurricane Helene.
BLN: Dr. Reynolds, what kind of emotional impact do disasters of this caliber have on communities?
Dr. Emily Reynolds: Events like these leave emotional scars that may last a lifetime. Most survivors experience grief and trauma, while many also show remarkable resilience. Access to mental health resources is very important for all recovery processes; emotional healing is just as much of a priority as rebuilding physical structures.
BLN: Mike, what environmental challenges would a region like Newland face after such a disaster?
Mike Johnson: Not only that, but also the environmental ones: soil erosion, water contamination. Many floodwaters carry a lot of pollutants that affect the local ecosystem, and rebuilding efforts should address these issues to ensure long-term sustainability.
BLN: What do you both propose as the most important steps next?
Dr. Emily Reynolds: Of course, it will involve some sort of mental health support and rebuilding of the community. Support systems help people cope, and giving them a role in rebuilding their lives instills hope.
Mike Johnson: On the environmental front, reforestation and land restoration will be huge. Applying some eco-friendly rebuilding practices has the potential to make the area even more resilient against future disasters.
Engage with Us:
Readers, share your thoughts in the comments! What do you think is the biggest challenge in recovering from a natural disaster?