The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene: A Student’s Struggle and Community Resilience

By Emily Vespa

On September 27, 2023, the remnants of Hurricane Helene unleashed a torrent of rain and destruction across Boone, North Carolina. Among those caught in the storm’s fury was 20-year-old Mya McClarty, a junior at Appalachian State University. As floodwaters surged, she faced the daunting task of returning to her apartment to rescue her beloved cat, Matcha, unaware of the devastation that awaited her.

A Race Against Time

Mya had spent the night at her partner’s place, blissfully unaware of the chaos that would soon unfold. As the storm intensified, floodwaters began to rise, forcing her to watch helplessly from higher ground as muddy torrents engulfed her first-floor apartment. It wasn’t until the afternoon that the waters receded enough for her to assess the damage and locate Matcha.

Upon forcing open her front door, which had swollen shut from the water, Mya was met with a scene of utter devastation. Her refrigerator lay toppled on its side, and the floors were coated in a thick layer of mud. In her pajamas and Birkenstocks, she navigated the wreckage, her heart heavy with the loss of her possessions.

“I was trying to take pictures, but I was shaking so bad, just looking around at all the stuff I worked so hard for and everything I’ve ever really owned just being destroyed in a matter of hours,” she recalled.

Finding Comfort in Chaos

In the midst of the destruction, Mya found Matcha perched on her mattress, seemingly untouched by the floodwaters. It was a small comfort in an overwhelming situation. That night, she returned to her partner’s home, her mind racing with thoughts of all that she had lost: shoes, clothes, a laptop, and even her car.

“I just felt so uncomfortable,” Mya expressed. “Your entire life, you have a room, you have a place that you belong, and in that moment, I didn’t have a single thing on me. It was just really overwhelming.”

The Unique Challenges for College Students

Mya’s experience is not unique; college students often face unique challenges during disasters. Many are underprepared for such events, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. With classes suspended for at least two weeks at universities across the western part of North Carolina, including Appalachian State, UNC Asheville, and Western Carolina University, students found themselves grappling with the aftermath of the storm while also navigating the complexities of their academic lives.

The storm’s impact extended beyond physical damage; it disrupted the lives of nearly 74,000 students at community colleges in the region. For many, this was the second upheaval in recent memory, following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Response and Support

In the wake of the disaster, universities across North Carolina rallied to support affected students. Relief drives and fundraising efforts were launched, and mental health services were made available to those displaced by the storm. Appalachian State’s interim Chancellor, Heather Norris, highlighted the spirit of community that emerged amidst the devastation.

“In the last few days, amidst terrible devastation, we have seen tremendous acts of kindness and humanity: neighbor helping neighbor; strangers helping strangers,” she said during a news conference.

Robin Gurwitch, a professor at Duke University, emphasized the importance of helping others during such crises. Acts of kindness not only provide physical relief but also foster emotional connections that can aid in the healing process.

“When I help others, I feel a sense of connection to other people,” Gurwitch noted. “That can really begin to help us right our world again.”

The Psychological Toll of Disasters

The psychological impact of disasters can be profound. Studies have shown that individuals affected by hurricanes often experience increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression long after the event. A study conducted in North Carolina revealed that 67% of hurricane survivors developed new or worsened mental health conditions following Hurricane Florence in 2018.

Gurwitch advocates for the use of Psychological First Aid, which provides initial support to help reduce distress and connect individuals with social support. “Those connections to others become so important,” she said. “No one should be by themselves right now.”

Personal Stories of Resilience

Parker Sharkey, a sophomore at Appalachian State, also faced the storm alone in his Boone townhouse. As water seeped into his home, he felt a sense of helplessness wash over him. “It just felt so surreal,” he recalled. Despite his efforts to contain the flooding, his living and dining room furniture was ruined, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency condemned his home.

Like Mya, Parker has been staying with friends or in hotels while searching for a more permanent place to stay. “I really still haven’t processed it,” he admitted. “It just feels like a dream, honestly.”

Moving Forward

As Mya stays with her parents in Chapel Hill, she grapples with the reality of her situation. “It’s still kind of hard to process,” she said. “I have my own room and I have the rental car that I’m able to drive, and I was able to buy some more clothes and stuff, so it doesn’t feel super real.”

In the face of adversity, the resilience of students like Mya and Parker shines through. They are not alone in their struggles; universities and communities are coming together to provide support and resources for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

How to Help

For those looking to assist students and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, various resources and initiatives have been established. Mental health services are available to displaced students at all UNC System schools, and community members are encouraged to contribute to relief efforts.

In times of crisis, the strength of community and the spirit of resilience can pave the way for recovery and healing. As Mya, Parker, and countless others navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, they carry with them the hope of rebuilding their lives and finding solace in the support of those around them.