Chimney Rock, a small town with just 140 permanent residents, was devastated by the effects of Hurricane Helene. O’Leary, a local business owner, reported that 15 businesses, 15 homes, and five bridges were destroyed, with many more structures damaged. Three miles of the town’s main street, U.S. Highway 64/74, were torn apart by the storm. Basic services such as power, water, sewer, and transportation were severely affected, making it challenging for residents to return to normal life.
Survivors, such as Barbara Meliski and Teresa Cauthern, shared harrowing experiences of witnessing the floodwaters rise rapidly and the destruction of their properties. Despite the widespread devastation, only one confirmed death was reported in the village, of an older woman who refused to leave her home.
Local officials, including O’Leary and Village Administrator Stephen Duncan, worked tirelessly to restore basic services and navigate bureaucratic hurdles following the storm. Duncan expressed frustration with the response from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), criticizing the agency for unnecessary bureaucratic processes that hindered recovery efforts.
As of the time of reporting, North Carolina had recorded 96 storm-related fatalities due to Hurricane Helene. O’Leary, who found himself suddenly homeless after the storm, temporarily stayed at Duncan’s compound, where they set up a makeshift command center to coordinate recovery efforts. Despite the challenges faced by the community, residents and officials were determined to rebuild and recover from the devastating impact of the storm.
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