In late September, Hurricane Helene hit much of the Southeastern U.S. leaving much destruction in its wake. The BBC reported that it is the deadliest mainland storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, with the death toll surpassing more than 200 by Oct. 3. Virginia Cooperative Extension believes that, in Southwest Virginia alone, over $125 million in damages has been caused. Lots of resources from across the country have been provided for the destroyed areas, including many organizations and groups from Kentucky are sending aid to communities affected by the storm’s havoc as well.
The University of Kentucky Wildcats football team posted to their Instagram page of more than 220,000 followers on Oct. 4 stating, “We support all of those affected by Hurricane Helene. It’s bigger than football, please consider helping those in need.” They also included a link to the humanitarian aid organization Samaritan’s Purse, which is collecting donations for “five locations across four states after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Southeast.”
Asbury is also discussing ideas about sending students to help with hurricane relief. Michelle Kratzer, head of the Asbury Outreach Coalition, sent out an email saying “The Asbury Outreach Coalition is exploring possible options for taking a group of students to do disaster recovery during Fall Break.” Kratzer later said, “We will not know for a few days whether the area will be ready for us to play our part. But, if they are ready to receive us, we want to have a group prepared to serve.”
Kratzer sent a follow up email Oct. 3 stating “Here’s what I know right now… we have a contact in Johnson City, TN who is working to find us a place to serve October 17-20.” She also added that there are some other volunteer requirements Volunteers will need to ensure that they are up to date on tetanus shots. As this is a developing situation, there is still some question about what Asbury’s role will be. If you are interested in serving, you can contact Michelle Kratzer via email at michelle.kratzer@asbury.edu.
Other organizations are sending help too, with ABC 13 News’ Caitlin Huff reporting that “Utility crews have made their way to hard-hit areas, while the Kentucky Air National Guard has been deployed to North Carolina.” The article later states, “According to the Red Cross, over 1,000 disaster responders, with over a dozen from Kentucky, are spread across 10 states that were devastated by Helene. As of Sunday night (Sept. 29), more than 2,600 people are staying in more than 60 emergency shelters.”
Another article by ABC 13 reported that “Tompkinsville Monroe County Airport and T.J. Samson Hospital’s Community Mission Foundation are making efforts to help with relief after Hurricane Helene left a disastrous wake.” Kaneia Copass, manager of Tompkinsville Monroe County Airport said, “When you are cut off from infrastructure, from cell phone service, from driving your vehicle to the pharmacy. This is not something to take lightly…This is something that can save some people’s lives.”
WKYT reported on Oct. 4 that Franklin County School District is collecting donations for other districts in states affected by Helene. The emphasized district is the Greene County school district in Tennessee, an area heavily affected by the storm. “One of my school bus monitors came to me and asked me, ‘How can we help this district out?’ When I asked her why, her reason was her son lives there,” said Franklin County Transportation Director Brad McKinney. He followed by saying, “She knows the devastation they have endured during this.”
The Kentucky Air National Guard released a statement on Oct. 1 stating that “The Kentucky Air National Guard deployed 11 Airmen to North Carolina this morning to assist local authorities with the humane recovery of flood casualties in the wake of Hurricane Helene.” They later stated “The Airmen, all from the 123rd Airlift Wing’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team here, will work with coroners and health officials in the western part of the state.”
In the same release, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated, “Over the past several years, Kentucky has seen its share of natural disasters, and our National Guard has always been at the forefront in our response,” Beshear followed by saying “Our Guard members are the best of Team Kentucky, and now they are stepping up once again, this time to help our fellow Americans in North Carolina who are reeling from Hurricane Helene. I know they will make us proud.”
