In Pictures: Chimney rock village devastated after Helene

Chimney Rock Village in North Carolina faced devastation after the Lake Lure dam overtopped due to Hurricane Helene. The flooding has left the village in ruins, prompting urgent responses from local authorities. According to NBC News, the dam remains at an "imminent risk of failure," raising concerns about further damage and potential loss of life. Photo credit: @AnnieMDance/X

Rutherford County Emergency Management reported that the structural supports of the dam have been compromised, though the dam wall is currently holding. The situation remains precarious, and officials are closely monitoring the structural integrity of the dam as rescue efforts continue. Photo credit: @AnnieMDance/X

Hurricane Helene made landfall near Florida at 11:10 PM local time Thursday as a Category 4 storm, wreaking havoc across multiple states. With heavy rain, mudslides, and strong winds, the hurricane caused significant destruction, claiming at least 43 lives. By Friday evening, the storm had weakened to a post-tropical cyclone but still posed threats to major dams. Photo credit: @RealCoffeeJim/X

To draw attention to the impending danger that potential dam failures pose, the National Weather Service declared flash flood emergencies across western North Carolina. Several local governments have ordered mandatory and voluntary evacuations in anticipation of severe flooding, mudslides, and related disasters. Photo credit: @AnnieMDance/X

Evacuation orders are in place across various counties. In Buncombe County, residents near the Swannanoa River must evacuate immediately, while Burke County has issued voluntary evacuations in flood-prone areas. In Rutherford County, officials encourage voluntary evacuations along the Broad River basin, particularly in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Photo credit: @RealCoffeeJim/X

Local authorities and emergency services have responded to the storm, conducting thousands of rescue operations across affected states. The urgency of these evacuations has been emphasized, particularly in areas facing imminent flooding. Residents have been advised to move to higher ground for safety. Photo credit: @RealCoffeeJim/X

By late Friday afternoon, water levels had crested the Lake Lure dam, which continued to hold despite reported structural damage. Over a million Duke Energy customers in North Carolina experienced power outages due to severe weather. Emergency personnel worked tirelessly to assist residents, ensuring those in danger received help. Photo credit: @AnnieMDance/X

Hurricane Helene has caused widespread road closures in western North Carolina. Interstates 26 and 40 are closed due to flooding and mudslides, complicating emergency response efforts. Local officials urge residents not to travel unless necessary, as many roads remain unsafe due to standing water and potential washouts. Photo credit: @AnnieMDance/X