Christian school in North Carolina faces $15 million flood damage after Hurricane Helene

As Asheville Christian Academy in Swannanoa, North Carolina, begins to assess the overwhelming aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the community is left in shock as reports of damage soar between $11 million and $15 million. Over two weeks after the storm wreaked havoc on its 60-acre campus, the once vibrant K-12 school, which serves about 750 students, is now a scene of devastation.

The floodwaters surged beyond anything ever seen before, transforming parts of the campus into an unrecognizable landscape. The storm, which struck on September 27, left behind not only mud-caked roads and ruined structures but also the unsettling discovery of human remains on the property, adding to the sorrow engulfing the local community.

Jason Putnam, the interim head of school, painted a vivid picture of the destruction. Describing the situation as “terrible,” he remarked that the water enveloped the school entirely, turning areas that were typically a safe distance from the Swannanoa River into makeshift lakes. “The water flow completely surrounded the school, so the school was part of the river,” he explained about the morning following the deluge.

Classes and activities have been disrupted for the immediate future, with many essential items already being salvaged or assessed for damage. Furniture lay scattered outdoors, and carpets have been ripped from the floors, while the auditorium’s transformation into a temporary pond left chairs floating amid the wreckage. The state-of-the-art gymnasium, once a hub for physical education and community events, now bears the scars of the flood, with its floors severely mangled.

Given the severity of the situation, Asheville Christian Academy is currently relocating its educational activities to nearby Biltmore Baptist Church. Donations aimed at recovery efforts have been generous, coming in from local residents and as far away as South Africa. The support has provided a glimmer of hope amidst the heartbreak. “Every day He’s shown up in amazing ways,” Putnam shared about the blessings they’ve received throughout the ordeal.

Local charities, including Samaritan’s Purse, are on the ground to assist with recovery efforts. Amanda Griffin, a volunteer with the organization, shared her profound commitment to aid those in need, stating how God inspired her to help. She mentioned her encounters with locals who have suffered traumatic losses, including a couple whose neighbors tragically drowned.

The sentiment from community members has been one of resilience and hope. Putnam anticipates that the disaster may create an opportunity for deeper conversations about faith and community support. He reflected on God’s grace amid adversity, saying, “I wake up every morning… to look at how He’s going to show up and bless the needs of our school community and the community of Swannanoa.”

With the reality of devastation all around, the spirit of unity remains strong in Swannanoa. Many believe this disaster could catalyze a renewed commitment among Christians to come together and support one another, fostering a revival that is sorely needed in times of strife. The community’s fortitude is visible through their collective efforts, refusing to be defined solely by loss but rather by the acts of kindness and compassion that emerge in its wake.

In the heart of this disaster, the members of Asheville Christian Academy and their supporters continue to rise, proving that faith and community are resilient, even in the darkest of times.

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