Chimney Rock, North Carolina, a popular vacation destination, has been completely transformed by the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. The town’s mayor, Peter O’Leary, reports widespread destruction across the southeastern region following the storm in September.
“It destroyed the village,” O’Leary said. “It took away the old Chimney Rock.”
Previously bustling with thousands of daily visitors during the summer, Chimney Rock now faces significant obstacles due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, restricting access to only its residents.
“I’ve got meetings with FEMA inspectors that are here inspecting the damage so they can move forward on some of the FEMA projects,” O’Leary said.
Volunteer contractors bring heavy machinery to help the town recover. (FOX News)
Efforts are underway by contractors to restore essential services such as running water, sewer systems, and electricity in the town. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is focused on the reconstruction of bridges in the area that were completely destroyed by the powerful hurricane.
O’Leary said over 2,000 volunteers, including some with heavy machinery, have come into the area to help speed up recovery efforts.
One of those volunteers was Jake Jarvis, owner of Precision Grading, which specializes in building roads and clearing off house sites.
Jarvis said he is working on a boulder wall for a lot where the home was washed away by the storm.
“Trying to build back the best we can and give people back what they lost. If we can’t give them [a] house, [we] can give them a place to build a house,” Jarvis said.
Contractors work day after day to rebuild the mountain town of Chimney Rock, North Carolina. (FOX News)
Jarvis said the work being done to rebuild is fueled by donations, which allows them to afford the materials needed.
