Emma Churchman, a resident of Gerton, North Carolina, recently shared her experience of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and how her small community has rallied together in its aftermath. With a population of just 250, Gerton, located about 16 miles southeast of Asheville, faced significant challenges when the storm hit.
Reflecting on that fateful morning of September 27, Emma described how she and her husband, Jeff, along with their two dogs, were plunged into chaos. “For four hours, we couldn’t see beyond our windows,” she recalled. “All we could hear was the sound of trees cracking and falling.”
Living near the mountain’s peak, they had about three miles of road separating them from the highway, a distance that typically shields them from severe storms. “We expected strong winds and rain, but we were completely unprepared for what actually happened,” Emma said. When they finally ventured outside, the sight was surreal: downed trees, fallen power lines, and mudslides covering the roads with up to 15 feet of debris.
By September 29, the community began gathering at the local fire station, which transformed into a central hub for support. Emma noted that her neighbor Erik, a firefighter, and his wife Kate had been rescuing individuals trapped in the rugged areas of Hickory Nut Gorge. Emma mentioned, “The flooding was devastating—many homes and businesses were washed away, and countless people were still trying to locate their vehicles.”
Jeff took the initiative to coordinate supplies, leveraging social media to seek generators and other critical resources despite the poor signal. Meanwhile, Emma volunteered as a trauma chaplain, offering support to those in need.
On October 3, she shared her conversation with Will, a neighbor who lost his workshop and two cars to the creek’s flooding. Will, who had managed to escape with his girlfriend before the water rose too high, remained stoic about the ordeal. “You just have to survive,” he told Emma, encapsulating the resilience of the community.
As recovery efforts progressed, Emma observed that the fire station was bustling with volunteers and supplies by October 4. “We had to use all-terrain vehicles to navigate the blocked roads,” she explained. Despite the chaos, the community’s spirit shone through as they dealt with unwanted attention from social media influencers trying to monetize the disaster. “This isn’t a spectacle,” Emma emphasized.
One notable figure emerged during the crisis: a man known as “Animal,” a combat veteran from Chattanooga. “He showed up in a bright yellow ATV and started clearing trees on his own,” Emma recounted with admiration. His selfless actions were emblematic of the support that poured in from both locals and visitors.
On October 8, Emma was relieved when their propane delivery service managed to reach their home, despite the blocked roads. Hearing about the challenges the delivery driver faced resonated with her, as many were relying on his service during a time of great need.
By October 10, the arrival of portable toilets and showers to the fire station brought some much-needed relief to residents struggling with sanitation. However, more hurdles lay ahead. Emma spoke with members of the community on October 11, including a campground owner named Aaron, who revealed the devastating impact of the flooding on his business and the frustration of his insurance refusing to cover repairs.
Finally, on October 13, Emma joyfully reported that the power was restored after days of operations relying on a propane generator. The progress, although gradual, was a testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to supporting one another. Emma concluded, “We’ve faced a lot, but seeing neighbors come together like this gives us hope.”
Emma Churchman continues to serve as a business coach, spiritual adviser, and trauma chaplain in Gerton, witnessing the strength of her community firsthand.
