Search and rescue teams from across the country have converged on Western North Carolina following devastating flooding from Helene. Their work transitions into the grim task of Search and Recovery, more than a week after the storm moved into the mountains.
Teams use dogs, drones, heavy equipment, chainsaws and their bare hands to search hard-hit areas full of mud and debris.
Photojournalist Travis Long followed one of those teams in Swannanoa, NC Sunday afternoon, October. 6, 2024.
A FEMA search and rescue team from Maryland searches for human remains in rubble from a structure in Swannanoa on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, after Tropical Storm Helene flooded the Swannanoa River. Officials in North Carolina have confirmed 76 deaths from Tropical Storm Helene.
A FEMA search and rescue team from Maryland searches for human remains in rubble from a structure in Swannanoa on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, after Tropical Storm Helene flooded the Swannanoa River. Officials in North Carolina have confirmed 76 deaths from Tropical Storm Helene.
A FEMA search and rescue team from California searches for flood victims using a human remains dog named “Rubble” in Swannanoa on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, after Tropical Storm Helene flooded the Swannanoa River. Officials in North Carolina have confirmed 76 deaths from Tropical Storm Helene.
A California FEMA search and rescue team searches for flood victims using a human remains dog named “Rubble” in Swannanoa on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, after Tropical Storm Helene flooded the Swannanoa River. Officials in North Carolina have confirmed 76 deaths from Tropical Storm Helene.
A FEMA search and rescue team from California searches for flood victims using a human remains dog named “Rubble” in Swannanoa on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, after Tropical Storm Helene flooded the Swannanoa River. Officials in North Carolina have confirmed 76 deaths from Tropical Storm Helene.
A FEMA search and rescue team from Maryland searches for human remains in a car in Swannanoa on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, after Tropical Storm Helene flooded the Swannanoa River. Officials in North Carolina have confirmed 76 deaths from Tropical Storm Helene.
A FEMA search and rescue team from Maryland searches for human remains in a car in Swannanoa on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, after Tropical Storm Helene flooded the Swannanoa River. Officials in North Carolina have confirmed 76 deaths from Tropical Storm Helene.
