In Yancey County, North Carolina, Alivia Coer and her boyfriend never imagined the extent of the danger that was about to unfold.
As the rain began to fall, Alivia started recording on her phone, believing they were safe from the impending flood.
“We’re not going to get flooded. The water won’t reach us,” she thought, capturing the initial moments of what would become a life-changing event.
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A Rapid Rise
Within a mere three hours, the water level surged an astonishing 30 feet.
Alivia, her boyfriend, and their dog watched in disbelief as the floodwaters invaded their property.
“I’ve never seen water that powerful before,” Alivia recounted, her voice still tinged with awe and fear.
From Spectators to Survivors
The couple’s perspective quickly shifted from observers to potential victims as the water crept into their driveway and then their basement.
The scene outside their window became increasingly apocalyptic.
“We started to see a couple of houses go by, and we were just completely in shock,” Alivia shared, her words painting a vivid picture of the destruction.
Witnessing Tragedy
Amidst the chaos, they witnessed a heart-wrenching sight that would haunt them.
“We watched somebody get swept away in their truck. That was the hardest thing to watch because there was nothing that we could do to help this person,” Alivia recalled, her voice heavy with the weight of that helpless moment.
Trapped in Their Own Home
As the water level rose, the couple found themselves confined to their living room, contemplating desperate measures.
They even considered hiking up the mountain behind their house, a dangerous proposition given the circumstances.
“At any point, we could have had a mudslide come down. We were just trying not to think about that possibility,” Alivia explained, highlighting the precarious nature of their situation.
A Community Cut Off
By afternoon, the floodwaters began to recede, revealing a new challenge: isolation.
The couple realized they were completely cut off from the outside world.
“We were completely trapped. The bridge was completely in half; it had collapsed,” Alivia described, emphasizing their sudden disconnection from civilization.
Neighbors United in Crisis
In the days that followed, the true spirit of community shone through the devastation.
Neighbors ventured out, sharing what little information and supplies they had.
This act of solidarity provided a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak situation.
A Desperate Rescue Mission
Two days after the initial flooding, strangers embarked on a perilous journey to reach their loved ones.
For Alivia and her boyfriend, this meant an unexpected rescue party.
“My brother, his girlfriend, and my dad and Eli’s dad all flew in and were prepared to hike however long it took to get to us,” Alivia recounted, her voice filled with gratitude.
The Moment of Freedom
The couple’s journey to safety culminated in a heart-stopping canoe ride across the swollen Cane River.
Alivia captured the moment she and her dog safely crossed, marking the end of their ordeal but the beginning of a long road to recovery.
The Aftermath and Road to Recovery
As Alivia and her boyfriend found temporary refuge with family on Topsail Island, they faced the reality of their community’s devastation.
Most of their neighbors had evacuated, though one brave soul chose to weather the storm in place.
The couple plans to stay with family for at least a month before returning to Asheville to assist in the rebuilding efforts.
A Community Forever Changed
The flood left an indelible mark on the landscape and the lives of those affected.
Roads were washed away, bridges collapsed, and homes were swept off their foundations.
The images captured by Alivia serve as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Conclusion: A Testament to Human Resilience
Alivia and her boyfriend’s story is one of survival, community, and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Their experience highlights the importance of preparedness, the power of community, and the indomitable human spirit.
As they and their neighbors begin the long process of rebuilding, their story serves as an inspiration to us all.
Share this story to raise awareness about the devastating effects of natural disasters and the importance of community support in times of crisis.
Consider donating to flood relief efforts or volunteering in disaster-stricken areas. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by such catastrophic events.
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