Volunteers mobilise mules, helicopters to aid Hurricane Helene victims

Volunteers, using everything from helicopters to mules, are stepping in to deliver crucial aid to the victims of Hurricane Helene in the remote mountains of western North Carolina.

Over a week after the deadly storm battered the region, thousands of residents remain stranded, with many cut off from food, water, and communication due to impassable roads and damaged infrastructure.

Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the southeastern US, has now claimed more than 200 lives, making it the deadliest storm to hit the mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Rescue and relief efforts have been complicated by the rugged terrain and extensive flooding, particularly around Asheville, where isolated communities remain unreachable by traditional means.

Local residents and private organizations have rallied to support the official disaster response led by federal, state, and local agencies.

Ben Miller, a real estate agent from Winston-Salem, is one of many who took action to help. Over the past week, Miller has personally delivered truckloads of water and supplies to remote towns like Marion and Spruce Pine.

“I know how hard these areas are to reach under normal circumstances, let alone after something like this,” Miller said.

The federal government, with help from the military and National Guard, has deployed 6,000 personnel to assist with the recovery effort, but volunteers have filled critical gaps.

The Altitude Project, a group of private pilots, raised $200,000 to transport supplies to isolated communities. Helicopters from Aeroluxe Aviation have flown more than 150 missions, delivering food, baby supplies, and even Starlink satellite systems to restore communication.

"When we land in these communities, residents are incredibly thankful," said Aeroluxe co-owner Brook Barzyk. "People are rushing the helicopters, they’re so desperate for help."

In places where helicopters can’t land, the Mountain Mule Packer Ranch has been sending mule trains loaded with supplies into the steep terrain, ensuring that even the most remote locations receive aid.

Despite these grassroots efforts, the federal response to Hurricane Helene has sparked controversy. Vice President Kamala Harris, on a visit to one of the hardest-hit areas in Augusta, Georgia, announced $750 in federal aid per household for immediate relief.

However, many survivors and critics have called this sum insufficient given the scale of the destruction. On social media, frustration mounted as comparisons were drawn to large amounts of US aid being sent overseas while domestic relief efforts appeared underfunded.

"We’re trying to rebuild our lives, and $750 barely covers the basics," said one resident who lost their home in the flooding.

The criticism follows a period of intense pressure on the Biden administration, which has been managing the response to simultaneous crises, including international conflicts.

The administration has committed additional resources, including 1,000 active-duty military personnel, and FEMA is coordinating with local governments to assess long-term recovery needs.

As the relief effort continues, the death toll from Hurricane Helene is expected to rise as search-and-rescue teams gain access to areas that were previously unreachable.

Hundreds remain unaccounted for, though that number has slowly decreased as communication improves. Volunteers, rescue workers, and the military continue to search through the debris and floodwaters in hopes of finding survivors.

For many affected by the storm, the outpouring of support from private citizens has been a vital lifeline. “Yesterday was the first time I could sit down and really process everything," said Dave Gindlesperger, a volunteer who has been using chainsaws and ATVs to help clear access to homes.

"Entire communities are just gone. It’s hard to wrap your mind around it."

As the region begins the long process of recovery, the collaboration between volunteers and government agencies will remain critical to reaching those still in need.