The catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold, with the latest reports revealing the tragic loss of 11 members of a single family in North Carolina due to a devastating mudslide.
The Craig family, pillars of the Fairview community, were caught in the deadly path of the mudslide, triggered by the "unprecedented rains" of the hurricane. This disaster has added to the rising death toll, which now stands at over 230, as the southeastern United States grapples with the hurricane's destructive aftermath.
According to American Military News, the Craig family resided in an area of Fairview, a suburb of Asheville, known as "Craigtown." The hurricane struck the community on September 27, causing a major mudslide without warning. The mudslide obliterated multiple homes where the Craig family lived, located near a mountain. A local resident, who was close to the Craig family, confirmed to Fox News that the mudslide had destroyed the houses after cascading down the nearby mountain.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page titled "Support the Craig Family After Tragic Loss" has been set up. The page describes the Craig family as "pillars of the community," and as of Thursday, donations had exceeded $111,000. The funds raised will be utilized for rebuilding homes, funeral arrangements, medical expenses, and to support the family during their period of grief.
The hurricane's devastation extended beyond the Craig family. Fox News reported that Tony Garrison, a firefighter affiliated with the Fairview Fire Department and Garren Creek Fire Department, lost his life in a heroic attempt to rescue victims from the mudslides.
The hurricane's wrath was not limited to wind and flooding. A video shared on X, formerly Twitter, captured a major mudslide in Asheville, demonstrating the additional destruction caused by the "unprecedented" rain in the region.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reported that over 3,200 people in North Carolina have been rescued, while many victims are still missing. As recovery efforts continue, the full extent of Hurricane Helene's impact is yet to be fully realized. The hurricane's devastating effects serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness and community support in the face of such disasters.
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