As communities in Western North Carolina grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the extent of the damage is becoming increasingly apparent. Toxic sludge has covered the streets of Asheville, while the floodwaters have ripped apart homes, leaving towns in disarray and caked in mud. The long road to recovery will be challenging as residents face the reality of 'climate whiplash' and the growing threat of inland flooding. Areas such as Swannanoa and Old Fort have reported catastrophic damage, prompting calls for better preparation against such severe weather events that are affecting regions far from the coast. As floodwaters begin to recede, efforts are underway to survey the damage and initiate relief measures, highlighting the urgent need for community support and resilience in the face of increasingly severe storms.