Mutual Aid and Disaster Relief in Southern Appalachia

The Final Straw Radio

Over the first weekend of October, 2024, there was a deluge from two storms (including level 4 Hurricane Helene) descended on southern Appalachia, mostly on the eastern side which includes Asheville and other parts of western NC, eastern TN, south eastern Ohio, and northern Georgia. At the point of this recording there are over 200 known dead and hundreds missing, portions of the region continue to be without electricity or cellular service, and where the toxic mud and water linger and separate people from medical and community care. This episode, we’re speaking with three people who’ve lived in the region and have been helping other residents distribute storm relief. If you’re listening to this on the radio, please consider checking out the podcast for an additional half an hour of experience.

Groups worth following doing work on the ground include:

• Mutual Aid Disaster Relief
• Appalachian Medical Solidarity
• Hood Huggers
• Rural Organizing And Resilience

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Featured Tracks:

• 500 Year Flood by Adam Pope
• Day 3 on Pigeon River by Sarah Howell