SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — Search teams with Urban Search and Rescue and the National Guard are in Buncombe County – particularly Swannanoa – trying for flood victims or victims in mudslide areas.
Charlie Lubowicki, spokesman for the Federal Urban Search and Rescue crew squad, stated that doubtlessly 30 extra canine teams are arriving within the Swannanoa space Thursday and Friday to proceed searches.
“The terrain is very difficult right now,” stated Lubowicki. “Right now in Swannanoa, North Carolina Task Force Two is operating there with a 90-person team, as well as Nebraska. They have a contingent there as well from the federal system, and they’re using dog teams.”
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In the air, Lubowicki stated the aircrafts seen over Western North Carolina embody reinforcements from the National Guard.
Supply drops are additionally a part of the efforts to convey water and meals to residents in distant areas of Swannanoa.
On high of federal and state teams, non-public outfits together with Aeroluxe Aviation out of Nashville have introduced in helicopters to help in dropping search teams, in addition to meals and water.
“At this point, we’ve moved into four or five different locations on the ground to effect a search and rescue,” stated Adam Smith.
Smith was overseeing the dispatching of teams with Aeroluxe taking off and touchdown in a grassy area subsequent to the Harley Davidson retailer off I-40.
Everyone that’s right here is aware of the severity of the scenario,” stated Smith.
The group introduced in seven pilots and two helicopters had been lively on Wednesday, dropping provides to folks in want throughout the areas in Buncombe County that had been hit the toughest.
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Smith says he is aware of of fatalities within the Swannanoa space.
There’s nonetheless a number of lacking folks, and the actual fact of the matter is people who find themselves lacking, all we will do is pray and preserve working to ensure now we have the flexibility to search out them,” Smith said.
Down the road from the command center for Smith’s volunteer efforts is the First Baptist Church of Swannanoa. At the church, head pastor Jeff Dowdy and his wife Melody have been working nonstop to create a center for food and water donations for anyone in need.
“It’s the body of Christ is what it is,” said Melody Dowdy of the efforts and donations coming in to help devastated families. “And it’s people mobilizing themselves until government assistance can get here.”
Baptist church groups from across North Carolina have caravanned to the church bringing donations and supplies.
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Pastor Jeff Dowdy knows he plays an integral role in rallying the broken Swannanoa community to stay strong and support families when they need hope and help.
Dowdy knew President Joe Biden was flying over the region and sent a message to the White House:
President Biden, we need your help. This community’s really hurting. There are so many people in desperate need. You have the power in this country to rally us together,” he stated.
