*On the night of 8/17 emergency management, public safety, fire and rescue agencies and law
enforcement evacuated countless residents and visitors including campers from the Davidson
River Campground. This included swift water rescue. The dedication and bravery of our public
safety and emergency personnel in Transylvania County is exemplary.
*Unprecedented rain and flooding resulted in measurements of the Davidson River at 14 feet
(flood stage 6) and 14.2 feet in French Broad River in Rosman (flood stage 9). Floodwaters rose
rapidly creating dangerous conditions.
*Train trestle in Pisgah Forest moved approximately 2 feet due to floodwaters.
*Search for campers that were supposed to be located above Daniel’s Creek continues.
Searchers are having to regroup to gain access to the area due to washed out infrastructure.
Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with a drone to try to locate them.
*TC Emergency Shelter at the Recreation Center had 28 people overnight and all have been able
to find temporary accommodations. The Shelter will re-open if the need arises. Those with need
can call county communications 828-884-3188.
*As of noon on 8/18, 25 structures had been identified as damaged or uninhabitable, 5 roadways
with serious damage totaling an estimated $2.1 million in damage. Staff expects these numbers
to escalate significantly as more information is gathered. This reflects a partial assessment
because crews are continuing to assess through the county. Numerous landslides exist
throughout the county with damage to access roads and structures in addition to flooding.
*Transylvania County has located dumpsters in Rosman and Pisgah Forest to begin accepting
debris disposal in communities most impacted by floodwaters.
*Transylvania County has been in contact with Governor Cooper’s office, Senator Chuck
Edwards, Representative Jake Johnson and Congressman Madison Cawthorn regarding funding
assistance for those impacted.
*NCDOT is inspecting state roads and bridges to assure safety and closing facilities as needed.
Emergency repairs and emergency access are being completed by them.
*Transylvania County will be sending an assessment crew out tomorrow to begin collecting
information on private roadways and drives that may qualify for federal funding for repair.
* We have been grateful for aid that we have had throughout this event from Haywood, Jackson,
and Henderson Counties and Pickens County in SC.
TS Fred Event Status Report for Release at 4 PM on 8/19/21 TS Storm Response Update
Assessment of damaged property continued today in Transylvania County. If any resident is concerned there is damage that have not be known to public safety, you may call communications at 828-884-3188 with the address. Assessment information will help facilitate bringing state and federal aid into the community for those in need. As of the end of day on August 18, the total estimated assessed damage totals $11,227,000. County officials expect this number to continue to increase significantly from today’s assessments and as more sites are identified and assessed over the next few days and continue to communicate with state and federal leaders regarding the magnitude of the damage.
Public Health Caution! Residents who have wells that were in the flood area need to follow NCDHHS guidance on use of wells after flooding prior to use. https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/oee/docs/NCDHHS-PreparingYourWellForTheNextFlood.pdf
Anchor Baptist is also providing resources for those who need to disinfect or test their wells prior to use.
Transylvania County has deployed a search team to assist Haywood County in their search for missing campers and in attempts to access areas of Haywood that have been isolated due to flood damage. Our community grieves with our neighbors for the loss of life they have endured due to Tropical Storm Fred.
Transylvania County has located dumpsters in Pisgah Forest and Rosman for use in storm clean up with no fee.
Local Disaster Relief
There are numerous individuals with losses from the flooding and landslides associated with Tropical Storm Fred. Transylvania County is conducting damage assessments to facilitate involvement of federal and state relief funding sources. To meet immediate needs, Transylvania County is publishing local resources for short term needs. Residents who have needs they cannot meet on the resource list are encouraged to call Transylvania County at 828-884-2034. Transylvania County Library will be collecting names and contact information along with the nature of the need to assist in connecting with local resources M-Sat from 9:30 am- 5pm. Residents who will have a long term need are encouraged to call to share contact information as well. County staff will be using the contact list to connect residents to federal aid once it is authorized.
If you are interested in donating money to be used locally, Transylvania County will be working with Change the World Relief Fund to help those in need. All funding will go directly to those impacted. Checks can be made out to Change the World Relief Organization and note on the check for use in Transylvania County for TS Fred. Checks can be dropped off at Anchor Baptist Church or mailed to 3232 Hendersonville Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768. Change the World is a registered 501-c-3.
Disaster Relief Resources - CLick Here
