Resilient Saluda: Town slowly rebuilds following Helene's destructive flooding

Recovery efforts are ongoing Wednesday throughout western North Carolina following the devastating flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

In Polk County, residents remain trapped in their homes, with an unknown number of fatalities reported, while government aid has just begun to arrive.

Certain areas of the community have been completely wiped off the map and can only be accessed on foot.

Despite being severely impacted by the storm, the town of Saluda continues to demonstrate resilience.

Residents handed out free coffee next to the town’s only Starlink internet setup.

Before that, town leaders and volunteers distributed a makeshift newspaper, walking door to door with vital information on where to find food, medicine, and hot showers.

Entire sections of Saluda, including the Pearson Falls Community and Green River Cove, have been nearly wiped off the map.

Landslides continue to pose a threat, with one Tuesday knocking out cell service again.

In areas like Green River Cove, the infrastructure is gone, and accessing the area requires an eight-mile hike through rugged terrain.

Town officials say the scale of the damage is difficult to comprehend. The storm has left both residents and local businesses struggling to recover.

“We feel like we’re the invisible county,” one business owner said.

Homes have been crushed, washed away, or buried in mud.

Residents stress the importance of sharing the devastation with the outside world to highlight how severe the situation truly is.

Despite the destruction, there have been inspiring displays of community spirit. Residents have hiked fresh produce to trapped communities, and those with no power but gas stoves have been grilling burgers and sharing food with neighbors.

Amid the heartbreak, Saluda continues to show resilience and hope.

WRAL News has a list of people who have reported being safe from the storm. To mark yourself safe, please reach out to us via this form and use the subject line “NC Safe List.”

By calling 211 or visiting nc211.org, families and individuals can obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources in their community. People trying to connect with family members can call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. People can also call those numbers to report missing loved ones.