Marshall, North Carolina, was struck hard by Hurricane Helene, leaving the historic town, which has a population of just under 800, grappling with unprecedented flooding. Residents like 68-year-old Sandra Hensley-Sprinkle, who have witnessed the town’s transformation from a bustling Appalachian community to a revitalized hub of art and music, described the devastation as unlike anything they’ve ever seen.
On Monday, Hensley-Sprinkle surveyed the aftermath, where streets were buried under thick mud and littered with debris, including overturned vehicles and twisted train tracks. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” she lamented.
The deluge swamped numerous buildings, including a 19th-century railroad depot cherished for its community events. The flooding also damaged a water treatment plant, leaving much of the town without power or phone service. Marshall Mayor Aaron Haynie confirmed reports of “some” fatalities and emphasized the severity of the flooding, which locals claim is the worst disaster in over a century.
As residents worked to clean up, the National Guard provided aerial support. Efforts to secure essential supplies proved challenging, with many local businesses closed or unable to accept card payments. Lines formed outside dollar stores and gas stations, while 73-year-old Annie Griffey shared a remarkable story of her cousin arranging for water and food deliveries via private helicopter.
By Monday, as river levels receded, cleanup crews began removing mud and salvaging belongings from flooded homes. Local business owner Chad Adamowski, whose tattoo shop and music studio were heavily damaged, reflected on the town’s recent revitalization. “Before you knew it, we had a thriving community,” he said, referencing the influx of new businesses over the past five years.
Despite the setbacks, Adamowski and other local business owners remain determined to rebuild. He expressed hope for the future, stating, “If the Buffalo head could stay up, so could I.” As they navigate the challenges of recovery, community members are rallying together to restore Marshall to its former vibrancy.
