WASHINGTON, DC— Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, devastated parts of the southeastern United States last week, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Powerful winds and torrential rains inflicted widespread flooding, power outages, and property damage. The hurricane impacted millions across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

While the damages are still being calculated, the death toll at the time of this writing surpasses 160, with hundreds more reported missing. As one of the top 10 deadliest storms to hit mainland United States, Hurricane Helene’s impact on certain regions—particularly in terms of flooding and storm surge—rivals some of the deadliest storms in the nation’s history.

Many NRB members were directly affected, as well as their media outlets, whose own operations often play a vital role in providing emergency information and support through catastrophes. As the aftermath of Hurricane Helene unfolds, other NRB members are on the front lines of disaster relief efforts, supplying essential aid to those affected by the hurricane.

While the Winston-Salem, N.C. headquarters of The Truth Network remained unscathed, the storm’s devastating impact was felt across the region. Michael Carbone, COO of The Truth Network, shared that five of their stations were knocked off the air, with two, Spartanburg and Greenville, still out of service due to accessibility issues.

The hardest hit area was approximately 75 miles west of the Truth Network headquarters, in the mountainous regions of North Carolina. The Network’s friends shared with Carbone that the nearby village of Chimney Rock was completely washed away, with multiple buildings destroyed. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, with victims still being located in the receding floodwaters. The sheer volume of water unleashed by the storm created new basins in the mountains, which will take weeks or longer to drain.

In response to the crisis, the Truth Network went on air to urge listeners to donate supplies for those affected by the disaster. The first aid truck was scheduled to arrive early this week, carrying essential supplies to the hardest-hit areas.

“Samaritan’s [Purse] … is the best bet for fast response,” Carbone said. “They will be keeping people alive, literally.”

Samaritan’s Purse is responding to the devastation by providing vital aid to affected communities. In five specific locations across four states, they are distributing essential supplies like food, water, and shelter to those who have lost their homes or are struggling to meet basic needs.

“Our volunteers and staff are running a disaster response while living in the midst of it, which is a new challenge,” said Stacey Moore, Marketing Administrative Assistant at Samaritan’s Purse, which is headquartered in Boone, N.C. “We need discernment and clear direction for leadership so that we can help the most people in need. Please pray for our staff, teams of volunteers, and the families we are serving.”

Tom Atema, an NRB member, former NRB Executive Committee member, and co-founder of Heart for Lebanon, shared the devastating impact felt by many of his friends and team members in the communities of Black Mountain and Swannanoa, N.C. Headquartered in Black Mountain, Atema witnessed the storm’s widespread damage, including flooding, power outages, and loss of life. Although their offices were spared, the home of one Heart for Lebanon team member was completely destroyed by a fire, with impassable roads and bridges preventing the fire department from reaching the scene. Other staff had to be evacuated, and some are at home, living with minimal cellular service, internet, or electricity. Most residents are confined to their homes, either due to road closures or restrictions imposed by authorities to protect public safety.

“To represent Jesus is a very high calling,” Atema said. “I was reminded many times that without Jesus there is no hope. I was reminded how easy it is and how important it is that we share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, during these specific times.”

Jim Kirkland, Executive Director at Blue Ridge Broadcasting (BRB), reports all their staff are safe. A ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, BRB houses studios on the grounds of The Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville. With various tower locations in the region, including The Light FM’s flagship site near Black Mountain, the team has run on generators for a week. Kirkland shared that their on-air team, engineers, and IT crew have been working tirelessly at the station for six days straight providing information, encouragement, and hope in Christ to the community. Several team members have even been staying at the station overnight. Kirkland highlighted that the callers’ testimonies of God’s faithfulness, even in the face of such a devastating hurricane, have been the most powerful aspect of The Light FM’s outreach.

“We praise God for how He spared The Light FM team and our facilities,” said Kirkland, a member of the NRB board of directors and past chairman of the NRB Radio Committee. “I give thanks for how The Light FM team served listeners with focus and excellence under extraordinary circumstances … and reminding all of the hope found in Jesus Christ.”

John Sorensen, President & CEO of Evangelism Explosion International (EE) and NRB Executive Committee member, shared that the EE team is safe and accounted for but are facing significant challenges due to power outages, water shortages, property damage, and limited communication. EE is based in Arden, N.C., just south of Asheville, which saw widespread and unprecedented damage.

Operation Blessing, a relief ministry of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), is currently providing relief efforts in various areas affected by Hurricane Helene. In partnership with local churches, Operation Blessing is mobilizing volunteers to provide communities in several states with food and water, shelter and housing, medical care and supplies, debris removal and cleaning, and emotional support and counseling.

Along with prayer, please consider the following options for contributing to relief efforts:

• Visit SamaritansPurse.org to learn how to support, donate, or volunteer in their efforts to help aid recovery from the crisis.
• Give to Operation Blessing to learn more and send aid to Operation Blessing.
• Become an Operation Blessing volunteer to sign up for real-time volunteer alerts and learn more about getting involved.

As NRB continues to monitor the situation and receive updates from our members affected by Hurricane Helene, the NRB family is joined together in prayer for their safety, well-being, and the rebuilding of their communities.

Read more news on Non Profit / Faith Based Organizations, Disaster Relief and Christian Broadcast Ministry on Missions Box.