A former Mountain Home family is among those still dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Helene in Ashville, North Carolina. The massive storm is responsible for at least 227 deaths and billions of dollars in destruction, especially in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.
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When the remnants of the Helene hit the Ashville area, Callais says many people, including herself, in the downtown area which is elevated and wasn’t affected by the floodwaters, didn’t realize the seriousness of the situation.
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Callais, who has lived in Ashville for ten years, says it has been amazing to witness everyone pitching to help their neighbors.
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Unfortunately, she says she knows of several people who died while trying to help following the storm.
Callais is a musician and will travel to Nashville to take part in a benefit concert Oct. 20. Baker is a critical care medic and works for the hospital in Ashville.
There has been a lot made on social media and in some media reports about the lack of response by FEMA to the areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Callais said the day after the storm hit, FEMA, the Red Cross and the National Guard were all there. She said it’s not right for the situation to be used for someone to further their agenda when so many people are hurting.
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Callais says her husband was able to secure a FEMA voucher for a hotel so their family can travel to Charlotte, about two hours away, this weekend so they have a place to shower and do their laundry.
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