In the worst of times, the BEST of Americans comes out... private citizens helping neighbors. [View all]

[WarGamer]

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/by-mule-helicopter-volunteers-deliver-aid-helene-victims-2024-10-04/

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina, Oct 4 (Reuters) - An army of private volunteers including mule drivers and helicopter pilots are helping deliver supplies and rescue stranded victims after one of the deadliest storms in recent U.S. history ripped through the mountains of western North Carolina.

One week after Helene slammed into the Florida Panhandle and devastated wide swaths of half a dozen states, untold thousands remained cut off around Asheville, North Carolina, with many roads impassable and telecommunications equipment damaged or destroyed. The mountain communities' isolation has complicated the massive relief effort undertaken by federal, state and local officials.

Aircraft components maker Acme Aero said in a Facebook post it recovered 144 people on Monday, 120 of them over the age of 68. It also planned to deliver up to 200 Starlink satellite systems to rural fire departments.