The Storm That Changed Everything: Reflecting on the Devastation and Hope in Appalachia
The Storm That Changed Everything: Reflecting on the Devastation and Hope in Appalachia
Mobilizing for Recovery: Communities Coming Together After the Flood
I had other plans for today, but hurricane Helene came over the Appalachian mountains and recarved the roads, leaving Asheville an island, several small villages swept away, and many parts of Western NC and Eastern TN without power, water, or shelter. So I find myself in a reflective mood.
I am fortunate. I am far enough away that my area got minimal flooding. I’m looking at footage, not out my front door, in awe of the power of this storm.
Pavement and bridges are simply gone. It will take many years to rebuild what was lost over one weekend, and I wonder if some of the smaller towns will ever recover.
While it is a well-known part of the cycle of things, earthquakes build mountains up, water and time wear them back down, sometimes that comes at you fast and hard. It reminds that our ancestors, however flawed, had less time to be outraged, knowing the challenge of just barely coping with what the natural world throws at us.
Sometimes got things right on that account.
One of the more awe-inspiring things from this disaster has been the Nolichucky Dam. It’s just over 100 years old. Old enough that the hydroelectric power it was built to supply has been decommissioned. At the peak of the flood, the water overtopped the dam and spilled down the side in an immense deluge. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) stated that on Friday the flow rate exceeded 1.3 million gallons per second spilled. Niagara Falls average is 700,000 gallons per second spread across 2,590ft of the Horseshoe and Bridal Veil.
The Nolichucky Dam is only 482ft long.
It would be understandable if you expected it to breach.
The TVA was concerned enough at 12:13 am on 28 September they issued a Condition Red Warning that a failure was imminent.
Areas downstream were ordered to evacuate.
On 30 September 2024, the TVA declared Hurricane Helene to be a one-in-5,000-year event with the water level topping out nearly 10ft higher than the previous record set in 1977.
But the Nolichucky Dam held.
It is a testament to the original engineering, construction, and maintenance work of hundreds of men.
We’ll never know for sure how many lives were saved.
It is a quirk of the human brain to routinely overlook all of the things that might have happened, but didn’t, so this miracle will likely be lost to history.
So hold a moment to savor this marvel.
The flood warnings have now expired, and the hard work of cleaning up and rebuilding begins. As of current count, 135 lives have been lost over the whole storm area and many others are unaccounted for. With roads missing, cell phones, and power out, it will be a while before there is a full accounting.
I’m so sad to see this much destruction all around the mountains I think of as my home. This area will never be the same.
But life will return. Sure as spring comes in March and April.
Mushrooms will grow on the downed trees, and moss will cover the rocks that stand bare right now. Neighbors will help each other, even some that have major differences. Groups in my area are already mobilizing to get aid to those who are stranded.
If the bonds across this country hold, others will help too.
Over a decade ago, when I lived in Pennsylvania there was a massive ice storm. I was lucky again, and just south enough my powerlines held, but not far north millions were without power in the freezing New England winter.
I was driving to get supplies of my own which required going about 15 miles on I-83. As I drove I suddenly found myself surrounded by a fleet of bucket trucks, easily 40 or more spread out down the road.
Given the circumstances that was to be expected. What caught me up was when I looked at the insignias on the doors. These trucks and men had come all the way from Alabama to help.
I wept.
Consider helping via these organizations.
Housekeeping
My plumeria lost a leaf, but the blooms continue. They only last a day or two, so some blew away. Others are still growing in bud. Everyone else is ok and will soon be moved indoors to overwinter. This year my worm compost will also come in, but that won’t be until December.
I’m also reading the history of scientific research and mobbing in the university system for future articles.
On the Bookshelf
No changes. I’m at a loss for time. I will work on that. If you notice claw marks on the sun, I had nothing to do with it.
About
Diogenes in Exile began after I returned to grad school to pursue a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Tennessee. What I encountered, however, was a program deeply entrenched in Critical Theories ideology. During my time there, I experienced significant resistance, particularly for my Buddhist practice, which was labeled as invalidating to other identities. After careful reflection, I chose to leave the program, believing the curriculum being taught would ultimately harm clients and lead to unethical practices in the field.
Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to investigating, writing, and speaking out about the troubling direction of psychology, higher education, and other institutions that seem to have lost their way. When I’m not working on these issues, you’ll find me in the garden, creating art, walking my dog, or guiding my kids toward adulthood.
You can also find my work at Minding the Campus
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