CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the death toll for Hurricane Helene is expected to keep going up in western North Carolina, the devastation surrounding Asheville is heartbreaking to see.
The storm has been blamed for at least 166 deaths, including 59 people in North Carolina. Hundreds more are still missing and officials say that number is very conservative because so many communities remain isolated. NBC's Craig Melvin joined WCNC Charlotte on Wednesday to share some of the inspirational stories he's seen since arriving in Buncombe County.
"Images like those out of Asheville are truly upsetting to so many of us who have made a lot of memories," Melvin said. "It's heartbreaking."
Melvin got emotional while describing what he'd seen. At one point, he paused to start over as he fought back tears.
"This is deeply personal for you and for me as well," Melvin said. "I grew up coming to Asheville on vacation."
Melvin was in the town of Swannanoa, which is just east of Asheville along U.S. 70. Numerous homes were destroyed and vehicles were scattered like toys. President Biden is scheduled to have an aerial tour of the damage on Wednesday. The White House said Biden wouldn't be on the ground out of concerns the security requirements would take away from the search-and-rescue operations underway. Hundreds of National Guard troops have been deployed to the region, as well.
Despite the carnage, Melvin said he's been encouraged by the helpers who have come together to make a difference for their neighbors.
"It's going to take a long time for Asheville and places like this to come back. That being said, one of the things that's been heartening to see is the strangers and the volunteers," Melvin shared. "We spent some time with folks who are part of the group Halo Relief, and these are volunteers.
"The guy who runs this is a retired firefighter who basically gets his buddies together, they go door to door, neighborhood to neighborhood, cutting down trees to get food in, to get medical supplies in. They had dozens of volunteers. These are folks who just come in like angels to try and help folks."
Melvin, who was born in Columbia, South Carolina, says Asheville will always have a special place in his heart because his family vacationed there when he was a young boy.
"The devastation is almost inexplicable in a lot of ways, but that being said, time and time again seeing folks who show up to help out in times like this," Melvin said. "It's very much like the Carolinas that we've come to know and love."