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VIDEO: Historic Biltmore Village near Asheville underwater after flood
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VIDEO: Historic Biltmore Village near Asheville underwater after flood

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Drone video captured over historic Biltmore Village in western North Carolina shows the impact of more than a foot of rainfall on the Asheville community during Hurricane Helene.

A record crest of the nearby Swannanoa River sent floodwaters rushing through the village, destroying the first floors of many buildings and trapping residents who did not evacuate.

The video shows Chimney Rock being completely destroyed as Helene triggers catastrophic flooding in North Carolina

Drone video showed water levels reaching the first floors of several buildings but still below the height of traffic lights, which are typically at least 20 feet high.

Biltmore Village, originally built in the 19th century for workers on the Biltmore Estate, has since become a popular tourist destination.

On Saturday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s office reported that more than 200 people had been rescued from the floods and rescue operations were expected to continue for several more days.

Buncombe County officials confirmed several deaths in the Asheville area but noted that the situation remains uncertain and at least 60 people are still missing in the region of nearly 300,000 residents.

“We have biblical floods here, and they were extremely significant,” a county official said.

MILLIONS in the dark, flooding disasters continue as the South East struggles in the wake of Helene’s deadly wrath

Resources have been requested from the state and federal governments, but with only one major highway, Interstate 26, still open, help was expected to arrive slowly.

A section of Interstate 40 collapsed due to the severity of a landslide between Asheville and East Tennessee, resulting in an extended closure. Transportation authorities have not provided an estimate of when the road will reopen.

As of Saturday, more than 400 miles of state roads were closed because of flooding and the risk of more landslides.

In addition to the flooding, cell phone towers were reportedly knocked out of service and there were widespread disruptions to water supplies.

“This is a historic and catastrophic storm for Western North Carolina, and I am grateful to the first responders who are working right now to save lives and evacuate residents,” Cooper said. “Efforts are also underway to restore power and communications, and we are bringing in needed supplies by air.”

A curfew was imposed in the city of Asheville from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. daily, and officials expected it to remain in effect until at least next week.

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