AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — People living in North Carolina's High Country are putting out the call for help in unconventional ways, as many deal with flooding, impassable roadways, power outages and failing cell phone service.
Scott Carew, who lives in Elk River in Avery County, was one of many who put the plea out online, hoping someone would rescue his community after it was cut off from everyone else.
"Residents of Elk River in Banner Elk are completely stranded," he wrote, in an email to WCNC Charlotte, sharing a photo of an impassable bridge he said was the only way in and out of the community. "We have no power, water, cell service. We do have a generator and WiFi at the clubhouse, which is how we are sending this. Most of the residents are elderly, and there is no way to get out if there is an emergency."
RELATED: I-40 to remain closed in Western NC after flooding washed out portions of the interstate, NCDOT says
The cries for help come as local emergency crews are getting backup from outside agencies. National Guard soldiers and airmen from other states like Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Iowa are among those arriving in the Carolinas to join North Carolina's National Guard in helping.
The North Carolina National Guard said the 42nd WMD Civil Support Team has set up advanced communication systems for emergency crews and an Urban Search and Rescue Task Force is joining rescue efforts.
According to an update from Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, 410 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen, 146 vehicles and 12 aircraft have been deployed to Western North Carolina for post-Helene assistance.
In Hickory Saturday, National Guard crews were spotted at the airport, which the City of Hickory said is just one of multiple agencies staging there to coordinate relief efforts.
Josh Conway is among those gathered at the airport Saturday evening, looking on as helicopters and small planes were loaded with supplies to help those farther west.
"These guys out here are the best," Conway said, "Help is coming."
While the situation feels dire, he said he is encouraged by all the help and support arriving.
"‘That’s how North Carolina is," Conway said. "We all want to help each other. We are North Carolina strong, and that’s how we are going to be."
Rep. Edwards reports 400 roads are closed in Western North Carolina, including 73 major routes like I-40 and I-26. He said more than 1,500 workers are in Western North Carolina clearing trees and rockslide debris. His update also shared that service providers have also deployed "compact rapid deployables" and "SatCOLTS" (Satellite Cells on Light Trucks) to the area for help establish more communication services.
Contact Vanessa Ruffes at vruffes@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.