SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — The Swannanoa Community recognized the 43 Buncombe County storm-related deaths with a somber ceremony on the one-year milestone of Helene on Sept. 27.
Traffic was stopped for a brief time along Highway 70 in the heart of Swannanoa as members of the large crowd made their way to the Whitson Avenue Bridge from the Swannanoa Fire Department. The walk through the Beacon Village area covered some of the community’s most heavily-flooded streets.
When Helene hit, the Swannanoa River swallowed Beacon Village, sending homeowners onto the roofs of their homes for safety. Community members brought flowers to toss in the Swannanoa River and offered a blessing. It’s the community’s resilience over the last year that organizers say stands out…