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<a title="#chroniclesofolivia" href="https://youtu.be/9KuqB4tIG8o?si=0Xx08Vr2vaKRO44k" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/9KuqB4tIG8o?si=0Xx08Vr2vaKRO44k" rel="noopener">Horrific Scenes from outside Asheville</a>"Hurricane Helene unleashed devastating destruction on Asheville and the surrounding towns, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. As the storm made landfall, powerful winds and torrential rains battered the region, overwhelming infrastructure and causing widespread flooding. Homes were torn apart, roads were submerged, and trees were uprooted, making the area nearly unrecognizable. In Asheville, historic buildings were damaged, while surrounding towns faced complete isolation as roads became impassable. The hurricane’s ferocity led to power outages that lasted for days, leaving thousands of residents stranded and in urgent need of aid. The communities affected were left grappling with the monumental task of rebuilding, as the storm’s impact became one of the most catastrophic natural disasters the region had ever faced." <a title="The Truth About North Carolina’s Hurricane Disaster Recovery" href="https://youtu.be/3EhRuUmgyHg?si=iFdX_6d8XshxeW4L" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/3EhRuUmgyHg?si=iFdX_6d8XshxeW4L">The Truth About North Carolina’s Hurricane Disaster Recovery</a>"Americans are still living in mud and destroyed houses while the USA continues to send money overseas. I spent some time in the North Carolina mountains talking with residents about the slow disaster recovery effort." <a title="ASHEVILLE UPDATES: 13 Bodies Found In Neighborhood Wiped out by Helene" href="https://youtu.be/UfpUC8QVWak?si=1Dj90zrne_Jz-SxL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/UfpUC8QVWak?si=1Dj90zrne_Jz-SxL">ASHEVILLE UPDATES: 13 Bodies Found In Neighborhood Wiped out by Helene</a>"In this video, my friend Thad, whom I met a week after Hurricane Helene, takes me to a neighborhood in Black Mountain, North Carolina, just outside of Asheville, where 13 lives were tragically lost. The floods were so severe that every house was swept away, along with the people inside. Shocking scenes from Black Mountain NC and surrounding towns of Asheville reveal miles of debris, with reports from locals, volunteers, and rescue teams indicating potentially thousands of deaths. Despite these on-the-ground accounts being shared on TikTok and YouTube, mainstream media has not covered the story. Many of these posts are being shadowbanned or flagged as misinformation, suppressing the truth and creating an ongoing battle to spread awareness." <a title="One of The Worst Hit Areas: His Story After Hurricane Helene..." href="https://youtu.be/-UB0c1e94tM?si=ReE0HOiBz9CQaDqU" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/-UB0c1e94tM?si=ReE0HOiBz9CQaDqU">One of The Worst Hit Areas: His Story After Hurricane Helene...</a>"In today’s video, I interview a man named Dave, whose home with his wife was flooded during Hurricane Helene. It’s been about 11 weeks since they last heard from FEMA. Volunteers have helped them clear out the inside of their home, and despite the challenges, Dave remains hopeful that FEMA will eventually get back to them." <a title="ASHEVILLE UPDATES: Helene Survivor Calls Out Media &amp; Govt. - Heartbreaking Cry For Help" href="https://youtu.be/nD4DOeQG6bk?si=kBeizY0WTnAmehXw" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/nD4DOeQG6bk?si=kBeizY0WTnAmehXw">ASHEVILLE UPDATES: Helene Survivor Calls Out Media &amp; Govt. - Heartbreaking Cry For Help</a> <a title="Tiny Homes NOT Allowed: County Commissioners &amp; State Rep SLAM Youtuber For Standing Up For the Poor!" href="https://youtu.be/WcBdkgqN3z8?si=nQ55jpNwKNkmAs4y" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/WcBdkgqN3z8?si=nQ55jpNwKNkmAs4y">Tiny Homes NOT Allowed: County Commissioners &amp; State Rep SLAM Youtuber For Standing Up For the Poor!</a>"The prohibition of tiny homes in Haywood County has sparked significant controversy, especially after YouTuber John Ward's video on the subject went viral, prompting a county commissioners' meeting. In his video, Ward highlights the county's refusal to permit tiny homes for victims of Hurricane Helene, questioning whether the commissioners will act to prevent residents from freezing this winter. Commissioner Terry Ramey has advocated for suspending certain housing regulations to assist flood survivors, emphasizing the urgency of providing warm shelter. He has collaborated with local churches to develop temporary "Rustic Cabins" for those still living in tents. However, these structures have faced pushback for not meeting residential building codes, as they lack required amenities like bathrooms. Ramey plans to address this issue at the upcoming county commissioners' meeting, seeking temporary relief from stringent codes to ensure residents have safe and warm accommodations during the winter. He acknowledges potential criticism from his appearance in Ward's video but remains committed to aiding his constituents. The debate underscores the challenges of balancing regulatory compliance with immediate humanitarian needs, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters." <a title="FEMA Vouchers For Motels Expiring: This Family of 8 and Thousands of People Going Homeless" href="https://youtu.be/cHct6ABJcac?si=oJ3lkps2UztIALCt" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/cHct6ABJcac?si=oJ3lkps2UztIALCt">FEMA Vouchers For Motels Expiring: This Family of 8 and Thousands of People Going Homeless</a>"In today’s video, we share the story of a family from outside Greenville, South Carolina, who sought refuge at Camp Rosebuds in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. They discovered the camp after watching my YouTube video featuring John Ward. This family had been living in motels for the past two months, using FEMA vouchers for about two weeks. However, they are no longer receiving any assistance." <a title="Former FEMA Employee Shares New Info After Losing Home to Helene… " href="https://youtu.be/u87F1JXIoRk?si=zw3AWyfkyX9Z0bhK" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/u87F1JXIoRk?si=zw3AWyfkyX9Z0bhK">Former FEMA Employee Shares New Info After Losing Home to Helene…</a>&nbsp;"In this video, a former FEMA employee asserts that FEMA is compensating individuals for disaster relief efforts. However, volunteer Evan Vilardo disputes this claim, explaining that neither he nor the other volunteers assisting have received any payment. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a U.S. government agency under the Department of Homeland Security, established to coordinate the federal response to natural and man-made disasters. Its primary mission is to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies, including hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and other significant incidents. Asheville in the surrounding areas, have faced unprecedented devastation, not only from Hurricane Helene but from the catastrophic failure of nearby dams that unleashed torrents of water across the region. The combined forces of the storm and dam breaches have tragically claimed hundreds of lives, with recovery teams now finding victims in trees and other unlikely places where they sought refuge from the rising floodwaters. The aftermath has left the area severely contaminated, as the mud coating the landscape is toxic, posing ongoing health risks to survivors. Residents report waking up with nosebleeds, likely from exposure to hazardous materials in the air and soil. Disturbingly, some rivers now flow in reverse due to the altered landscape, and a strange green sheen has spread across the water, adding to the eerie transformation of Asheville’s waterways. This disaster has left lasting scars on the environment and the community, raising concerns over the long-term impacts on the region’s health and safety." <a title="Hurricane HELENE 2 Month UPDATE &amp; NEEDS... WORST Hurricane in HISTORY" href="https://youtu.be/SfLEUpLtMOg?si=xtlbt6896niRbwns" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/SfLEUpLtMOg?si=xtlbt6896niRbwns">Hurricane HELENE 2 Month UPDATE &amp; NEEDS... WORST Hurricane in HISTORY</a> "Today I share some footage I took from Asheville NC and the surrounding cities and towns around Asheville NC. There are 3 primary needs right now! First is building material for all the buildings and homes devastated by the hurricane. Next is big machinery, bulldozers, dump trucks, excavators to clean debris. Lastly money so we can see a need and fulfill that need. Links below for financial support or you can use the THANKS button as we will continue to forward funds to front line workers, families and people impacted by the storm."

Capturing the Impact: Disaster Footage of Hurricane Helene

<figure id="figure-4ammc6z6rem3hpo8sm" class="selected"><img id="4ammc6z6rem3hpo8sm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/6HnvMioWty7ErDkKZ28qPhQDOVdliygT7iE1WPBsTJCC8s5RYdfOz50qyVW5hurk.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/6HnvMioWty7ErDkKZ28qPhQDOVdliygT7iE1WPBsTJCC8s5RYdfOz50qyVW5hurk.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Asheville and Western North Carolina, comprising 23 counties hit hard by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, are still in the midst of search, rescue, and safety efforts. Teams are on the ground attempting to restore water pressure, and Duke Energy is assessing damage and planning to reestablish basic services to inaccessible communities. Tens of thousands of homes have been flooded with 100% total loss.While rescuing people and providing stable living conditions is the top priority, a second wave of destruction looms if help is not provided by the federal government and if a top-down reform of flood policy in the United States doesn't occur.Personally, as a centrist capitalist, I believe in social safety nets balanced with economic common sense. This balance supports people and businesses in a cycle where each supports the other—a revolution in the capital cycle.As we venture into the second week following the cataclysmic disaster of Hurricane Helene, we need to have serious conversations about the impending second disaster facing Western North Carolina: businesses flooded with complete losses. My business is one of those affected.In the current political climate, especially during an election cycle, I have no doubt that residents will (possibly) receive federal assistance through property replacement plans and FEMA disaster response initiatives. These may replace underinsured homes or enforce policies that allow FEMA to spend federal funds on individuals. However, businesses will receive the equivalent of nothing.There are over 9,400 businesses in Buncombe County and 2,950 businesses in Henderson County. Henderson County is a hub for manufacturing giants like General Electric, Kimberly-Clark, Meritor, WilsonArt, UPM, and many others. Many—not just a few, but many—of our facilities are a complete loss due to unimaginable flooding levels in areas not even designated as floodplains.Our 12,000 businesses (including 530 large manufacturers) employ over 57% of the local population between our counties. Out of a population of 370,000, approximately 210,900 are employed locally, with about 100,000 individuals directly involved in manufacturing. Then there's the ripple effect: manufacturing jobs lead to service jobs. Think about companies like Kelsan supporting manufacturing facilities or Canteen providing food services. Essentially, around 100 of these 530 manufacturers now have no means of production, and thousands of employees have no means of employment as it will take years to rebuild facilities. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.Insurance will not cover anything. This isn't making news yet, but expect it to in the next 7–10 days when the adverse action letters begin arriving. They will start with:"After careful review of your policy and the associated risks, we regret to inform you that coverage for Business Personal Property (BPP) is not available under your current policy due to the presence of flood hazards in your location."That's right; if you have had surface water affecting your building, insurance will not cover you, even if you have flood insurance, you will receive a fraction of your policy.Because flood is not a covered peril, these types of policies are rendered into non-coverage territory:Business Continuity Insurance: Not covered if related to flood. Business Property Insurance (BPP): Not covered if related to flood. Business Interruption Insurance (Revenue Loss Insurance): Not covered if related to flood. General Liability Insurance: Not covered if related to flood. Commercial Auto Insurance: Limited coverage in flood circumstances. And many others: Including Professional Liability, Product Liability, Workers' Compensation, and more—all not covered if related to flood.An economic impact akin to Hurricane Katrina is unfolding, but with potentially more devastating consequences.Let's break this down, even if a company like ours had foreseen this and was fully insured against floods:Flood Insurance Limitations: Flood insurance ($1,500–$5,000 annually) is nearly unusable unless you're an ultra-small business, which likely can't afford it anyway. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has a $500,000 limit for business personal property or general property. NFIP is only available in communities adopting and enforcing floodplain management, which means if a levee breaks due to mismanagement, it's not covered. Private Flood Insurance Challenges: Private flood insurance is nearly impossible to acquire due to rigorous bonding requirements regulated by the federal government. Companies like Neptune, Lloyd's of London, Chubb, AIG, and Assurant have strict limits. Most insurers can only insure up to $10 million on commercial buildings, and business personal property up to $1 million to $2 million at maximum, even if the BPP on the property is worth $20 million, $30 million, or more. A FEMA Flood Zone X (considered low risk) would cost $20,000 annually just for the flood rider. Zones A or AE would cost $50,000–$100,000 annually. Limited Government Assistance: Yes, there is the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) up to $2 million at 4% interest for up to 30 years (though most terms are 10 years or less). However, prepare for personal guarantees and collateral commitments via UCC-1 filings on unaffected assets to get approved. I estimate only 10% of local businesses will qualify for loans over $1 million.Using our business as an example, this leaves us with nearly a $10 million gap loss. Did the flood insurance help? No.This is the reality for nearly all businesses in Buncombe and Henderson counties that have suffered floods. In fact, at this moment, most business owners believe that their insurance will step in and save the day. Make no mistake: if your small business has flooded, you will receive $0 in compensation from insurance companies unless you had a costly flood rider, and, even then expect limited compensation.If you are a mid-size to large business and you're the CEO reading this, understand that flood insurance will only pay you a fraction of the value of the equipment you owe on, and nearly nothing toward the replacement value of your building.So what's next?We're not sure. Allowing over 1,000 local businesses to enter Chapter 11 (or Chapter 7) bankruptcy would be detrimental to the local community to say the least and come at a loss of 100's of billions in tax and economic contributions in the local area for years to come. Keep in mind New Orleans lost over 50% of it's population, costing billions in loss tax revenues.FEMA could help, but it would probably be a small amount per business. The federal government could intervene, possibly forcing insurance companies to process claims under 'wind' instead of 'flood' and issuing treasury notes to raise funds.In essence, we're all in a state of uncertainty. Our future generations' stability depends on pushing for reform and financial rescue assistance from the federal government.Action Is Needed NowWe must advocate for:Comprehensive Flood Insurance Reform: Increase coverage limits and make policies more accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes. Immediate Federal Assistance: Provide grants or low-interest loans without excessive collateral requirements to help businesses rebuild. Infrastructure Investment: Improve flood management systems, including levees and drainage, to prevent future disasters. Community Support: Encourage local and state governments to provide interim support to affected businesses and workers.The time for action is now. Without immediate and significant intervention, the economic backbone of Western North Carolina is at risk of collapsing, leading to long-term consequences that will affect us all.EDIT: As this post gains traction; please consider joining our all volunteer, 100% free mission a RecoveryLeadershipAlliance.com. More voices = more action.

Asheville's Second Disaster Is Yet to Come.

Man Praying for the Appalachian Communities Effected

<h2>The Power of Community</h2>When disaster strikes, the strength of a community shines through. People come together, offering support and resources. In Buncombe and Henderson County, this unity has been essential in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.Individuals in these counties have shown resilience and determination. They have worked tirelessly to rebuild homes and restore services. Their efforts highlight the importance of community strength in disaster recovery.<h3>Collaboration is Key</h3>Collaboration has played a crucial role in recovery. Local resources have joined forces to provide aid. This partnership has ensured that help reaches those who need it most.By working together, communities can overcome challenges more effectively. Sharing resources and knowledge makes the recovery process smoother and more efficient.<h3>Building Resilience</h3>Resilience is not just about bouncing back. It is about becoming stronger and more prepared for the future. Buncombe and Henderson County are working to enhance their resilience.<ul><li>Developing better emergency plans</li><li>Investing in infrastructure improvements</li><li>Encouraging community involvement</li></ul>These steps will help the counties withstand future challenges more effectively.<h3>The Role of Individuals</h3>Individuals play a vital role in recovery efforts. Their actions can make a significant difference in the community. People have volunteered their time and skills to help rebuild.Neighbors have supported each other, offering shelter and resources. This spirit of cooperation and kindness is a testament to the strength of the community.<figure id="figure-ygyrbah9pkm3d6xzja"><img id="ygyrbah9pkm3d6xzja" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1511632765486-a01980e01a18?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxjb21tdW5pdHklMjB2b2x1bnRlZXJzfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTMzOTY4MHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="community volunteers" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1511632765486-a01980e01a18?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxjb21tdW5pdHklMjB2b2x1bnRlZXJzfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTMzOTY4MHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Continuing the Journey</h3>Recovery is an ongoing journey. It requires dedication and effort from everyone involved. Buncombe and Henderson County continue to work towards a brighter future.By learning from past experiences and building on their strengths, these communities are paving the way for a more resilient tomorrow.

Community Strength in Disaster Recovery: Lessons from Buncombe and Henderson County

<h2>Uniting for a Stronger Future</h2>When Hurricane Helene struck, it left a trail of destruction in Buncombe and Henderson County. But in the face of adversity, our community came together. At the Recovery Leadership Alliance, we believe in the power of unity. We aim to rebuild and strengthen our counties, making them more resilient against future disasters.Our mission is simple but profound. We bring together federal, local, and regional resources to coordinate disaster recovery efforts. This collaboration allows us to create effective relief initiatives and rebuild affected communities.<h2>Coordinating Efforts</h2>Disaster recovery is a complex process. It requires coordination and dedication. By uniting different resources, we ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. Our team works tirelessly to identify areas in need and deploy resources efficiently.We don't work alone. We partner with local organizations, government agencies, and volunteers. Together, we form a network of support that can respond swiftly and effectively.<h2>Building Resilience</h2>Recovery is not just about rebuilding what was lost. It's about making our communities stronger. We focus on enhancing resilience to withstand future disasters. This means improving infrastructure, creating emergency plans, and educating residents on disaster preparedness.By investing in resilience, we reduce the impact of future disasters. Our goal is to create a safer, more prepared community.<h3>Steps to Enhance Resilience</h3>We follow a structured approach to build resilience:<ul><li>Assessing vulnerabilities in the community</li><li>Developing comprehensive emergency plans</li><li>Investing in resilient infrastructure</li><li>Conducting regular community training and drills</li></ul><figure id="figure-bymq71vdy5m2otu9eo"><img id="bymq71vdy5m2otu9eo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3a6T4IF9Va1t2EIFQofKpvBZmVgVDidSPTUMQxjNt6mGen2fxgZ4pJYCaI1C9UdF.jpg" alt="Several tornadoes struck causing millions of dollars in damage 19" title="Several tornadoes struck causing millions of dollars in damage 19" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3a6T4IF9Va1t2EIFQofKpvBZmVgVDidSPTUMQxjNt6mGen2fxgZ4pJYCaI1C9UdF.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Community Involvement</h2>Our work would not be possible without the support of the community. Volunteers play a crucial role in our recovery efforts. They help with everything from distributing supplies to providing emotional support to those affected.We encourage everyone to get involved. Whether you can donate time, resources, or expertise, every contribution makes a difference. Together, we can rebuild our communities and create a better future.<h3>How You Can Help</h3>There are many ways to support our mission:<ol><li>Volunteer your time and skills</li><li>Donate resources or funds</li><li>Participate in community training sessions</li><li>Spread the word about our efforts</li></ol><figure id="figure-bm6wzsg1h9m2otuah8"><img id="bm6wzsg1h9m2otuah8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3ay9FdcbdGnANK8UVFOn1md0kJl1vDdTmJ0MoUqmybArJos31nc1MLxn9bUZ8FO1.jpg" alt="community support" title="community support" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 20% null%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="20%" data-positionY="null%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h2>Looking Ahead</h2>The road to recovery is long, but we are committed to seeing it through. At the Recovery Leadership Alliance, we believe in the strength of our community. Together, we can transform disaster response in Buncombe and Henderson County.Join us in our mission. Let's build a resilient future, one step at a time.

Transforming Disaster Response in Buncombe and Henderson County

Recovery Leadership Alliance

We are building a cooperative non-profit organization called the Recovery Leadership Alliance. Our mission is to lead and coordinate disaster recovery efforts in Buncombe and Henderson County following the significant impact of Hurricane Helene. By uniting federal, local, and regional resources, we aim to facilitate effective relief initiatives, rebuild affected communities, and enhance the county's resilience against future disasters.

Recovery Leadership Alliance

News

Capturing the Impact: Disaster Footage of Hurricane Helene

Asheville's Second Disaster Is Yet to Come.

Community Strength in Disaster Recovery: Lessons from Bun...

Transforming Disaster Response in Buncombe and Henderson ...