WESTERN N.C. — It has been a week since Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast, leaving widespread destruction across the Western North Carolina mountains. Flash flooding reshaped the landscape and upended the lives of many in these small mountain communities. In places like Burnsville, Yancey County, the challenges remain immense, but efforts to rebuild are well underway. Among the groups leading recovery efforts is the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer organization made up of people from across the country. They’ve rushed to the area, bringing much-needed supplies and leading ongoing search and rescue operations. Burnsville, a town heavily impacted by the storm, remains without power, cell service is spotty, and for many, running water is still a luxury. Sky Barkley, a marine veteran and North Carolina coordinator for the Cajun Navy, spoke about the overwhelming challenges. “This is like what you see in Pakistan and India,” Barkley said, describing the mud, water, and debris that wiped out roads. “You might spend ten hours cutting into a road only to have that road end.” The Cajun Navy has been working tirelessly to check on cut-off communities near the Cane River, where families like Adam Trescott’s have been left stranded. “We didn’t really know how bad it was until we hiked down,” Trescott shared, reflecting on the damage caused by the storm. Roads leading into the community were washed away, trees were flattened, and debris was piled high. Despite these obstacles, neighbors are coming together, using chainsaws and diggers to clear debris and rebuild their lives. Stephanie Johnson, orginally from Harrisburg, N.C., has lived in Burnsville for 15 years, has been organizing supply distribution for her neighbors. “We got so many people coming from all over the country,” she said. “The Cajun Navy rolled in yesterday. We’re so thankful.” For communities like Burnsville, the road to recovery is long and uncertain, but the resilience of the locals and volunteers is evident. Through their efforts, these small mountain towns are slowly beginning to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. If you would like to donate to the United Cajun Navy here are some of their most needed items: Diapers (all sizes) Distilled Water Small Portable Grills Can Openers Canned Goods Peanut Butter Oxygen from Medical Providers Epi Pens from Medical Providers Trailers and trucks to transport supplies Trailers to transport horses Hay for animals Here is the full list of needs on Amazon. You can also donate, or volunteer by going to their website. Here is a list of ongoing volunteer and donation opportunities for the Western Carolinas.