In Pictures: Montreat college in North Carolina flooded, students stranded

Montreat has been devastated by the deluge following Hurricane Helene. The town is in ruins, and Montreat College, home to nearly a thousand students, closed on Thursday afternoon as a precaution. Despite these efforts, by Friday morning, it was clear the hurricane caused more damage than anticipated, leaving students and staff unprepared. Photo credit: @dyllan_bwell/X

Lake Susan, the heart of Montreat, was severely impacted, with its dam barely holding up under the pressure of Flat Creek. The lake turned into dangerous whirlpools, threatening nearby Black Mountain. Although the dam hasn’t collapsed, there are serious concerns about its structural integrity, leaving the area on high alert for further damage. Photo credit: @dyllan_bwell/X

Excessive rain caused Flat Creek to overflow, flooding Montreat’s roads and bridges. Greybeard Road has disappeared, leaving a ten-foot-deep chasm, stranding families in their cottages. Two of the three bridges to Montreat College collapsed, and the third is unsafe. The floodwaters have severely disrupted the town’s infrastructure. Photo credit: @dyllan_bwell/X

Montreat College faces dire conditions, with no power or water on campus, leaving students stranded with limited resources. The college’s cafeteria workers, who had arrived earlier to help, are now trapped with the students. Restrooms and food are scarce, and unreliable cell service worsens the situation. A curfew has been enforced for safety, with students advised to stay on campus until further notice. Photo credit: @dyllan_bwell/X

McAlister Gymnasium, one of the largest campus buildings, was hit hard, with a five-foot-deep river flowing through it. The building is now structurally unsafe and will likely be demolished. Other campus buildings, including residence halls, have sustained significant damage from flooding, sewage issues, and roof leaks, adding to the college’s crisis. Photo credit: @dyllan_bwell/X

Emergency relocation efforts are underway, with students moved to safer accommodations quickly. However, foreign students unable to return home are especially vulnerable. The college is providing housing while issuing warnings about evacuation risks, emphasizing the importance of fuel, cash, and communication before leaving. Photo credit: @dyllan_bwell/X

Duke Energy and FEMA assistance is expected, but the timeline for restoring essential services like power and water is uncertain. Duke Energy estimates power restoration by September 29, but the water service outlook is unclear. The college is working to secure aid, including water and refrigeration trucks, and hopes to resume classes, likely online, by October 7. Photo credit: @dyllan_bwell/X

As Montreat College transitions into recovery mode, the administration continues to update and reassure students and families. With closed roads, emergency travel restrictions, and regional destruction, the challenges ahead are vast. However, student safety is a priority, with everyone asked to stay off-campus until conditions improve. Photo credit: @dyllan_bwell/X