The village of Chimney Rock has been one of the many places devastated by Tropical Storm Helene. The once-thriving riverside tourist community in Rutherford County now lays under a thick layer of mud and debris.
“Numerous residents, homeowners, and businesses have suffered catastrophic losses, and our community faces a long and difficult road to recovery,” read a letter from Mayor Peter O’Leary and the Village’s Council.
What happened in the highland of North Carolina?
The smaller communities throughout the mountains of North Carolina were devastated after Helene dropped more than 20 inches of rain in some areas on Friday, Sept. 27, causing massive amounts of flooding as the many rivers in the area burst from their banks, sweeping away cars and whole buildings, along with people.
In Chimney Rock, the Rocky Broad River swallowed the village.
“Everything along the river is gone,” said Tracey Stevens, who worked at the Chimney Rock brewery, which is now gone. “What was once a town is now a river. It’s beyond anything I can imagine.”
Rutherford County Emergency Management said responders had rescued more than 100 people in the neighboring Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas on Saturday after Hurricane Helene moved through. Air rescue operations remained ongoing at that time.
More: See photos, videos of flooding and damage in Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, NC
What’s the current situation in Chimney Rock?
The community still struggles to find basic necessities with power and water still out to much of the area.
“In the immediate future, we are focused on ensuring our residents and business owners are safe and have access to water, food, and essential survival,” read the statement from Chimney Rock leaders.
O’Leary spoke with WSOC-TV, a sister station to USA TODAY Network papers The Shelby Star and The Gaston Gazette, about the devastation of a community that runs 100% on tourism.
“Everything you take for granted has been washed away, literally. Every single business, every single building has been destroyed or severely damaged,” said O’Leary to WSOC-TV.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge near Chimney Rock reportedly swept away by Helene floods
‘Nothing like this’: National Guard rushes supplies to communities cut off by Helene
Is the future of Chimney Rock known?
On the village’s official Facebook page, one person speculated on the town being bulldozed spurring officials to post about getting information from reliable sources, like the town itself.
“A rumor is not news. Anyone who truly wishes to be supportive of this situation can best help by sticking to information that comes from the municipalities and credible recovery and support sources. The people and businesses are suffering enough without having to take time to tamp down this type of thing. By refraining from sharing unreliable information, you help more than you know,” read the Facebook post.
It also asked for people to be patient on updates.
“We realize that there is a strong desire for more frequent information. However, if it is perceived as slow in coming by these municipalities, just remember these two things: ONE: Cell service is spotty at best, as is Wi-Fi, and TWO: Town and Village officials and First responders are tied up 24/7 on the never-ending response to this catastrophic situation,” read the Facebook post.
O’Leary stated in interviews that the community is taking it day-by-day, but that he is committed to bringing Chimney Rock back to life.
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How can I help at Chimney Rock?
Chimney Rock has set up an official donation site through givesendgo.com.
“Hurricane Helene caused major flooding, landslides, and devastation in Chimney Rock Village, NC, resulting in major losses of the town’s infrastructure. Your donations will go directly to Chimney Rock Village to support rebuilding efforts. We appreciate your support now and in the upcoming months,” read the donation site.
How to help: Learn about ways to support Hurricane Helene victims, how to donate
Is Chimney Rock under a curfew?
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are both under Rutherford County’s curfew from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. until further notice.
Can I go to Lake Lure, Chimney Rock to volunteer?
Both Lake Lure and Chimney Rock officials ask that traffic to remain local at this time so that emergency crews can continue their relief work effort.
“Although we greatly appreciate all offers to volunteer, Town officials are working to decongest the area to ensure the highest degree of safety in this rescue phase of recovery,” read a Oct. 2 press release from the town of Lake Lure.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has declared roads in Western North Carolina closed and has asked people to not travel to this part of the state.
Where is Chimney Rock located?
The village of Chimney Rock is located in Rutherford County near the town of Lake Lure. It is around 35 miles from Asheville, tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Census data from 2022 indicate 220 people live in Chimney Rock.
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Damage to Chimney Rock
Photos of damage are Chimney Rock have circulated social media. Here are some photos from the past week taken by photojournalists in the Western North Carolina town.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Chimney Rock, NC destroyed? Here’s what happened and what’s next
