Swannanoa – As many are aware, the Swannanoa area was hit badly by Hurricane Helene. Food, gas, and water are practically non-existent. According to Swannanoa Fire Chief Anthony Penland, Swannanoa is experiencing “total devastation” and the “community is destroyed.” Buildings have been destroyed beyond repair—including many homes in the Beacon Village. The bridge connecting Swannanoa to the outside community was completely washed away. According to an article in Newsweek published Sept. 27, 2024, “Rain has been so severe in Asheville that it caused the Swannanoa River to crest at 26.6 feet after rising 19 feet in roughly 20 hours. The river, which is currently 10 feet above the level needed to reach major flood stage, has not surpassed 26 feet since 1791. “Record Flood Stage. This stage last occurred in April of 1791 according to Tennessee Valley Authority records. Catastrophic flooding of the Swannanoa River Valley is likely,” the National Water Prediction Service posted on the river gauge’s website.”