Ukrainian War Refugees Among Helene Victims in NC
Ricky Wiebe, speaking for his family, joins FOX Weather to share their story and the incredible resilience they’ve shown in the face of such tragedy.
The once tranquil South Toe River was transformed into a raging torrent by the relentless downpour of Hurricane Helene. The storm swept away Ricky Wiebe’s family’s home, leaving four loved ones, including a 13-year-old boy, missing and presumed dead.
“They had to put their lives on the line to get to them. They did it for free out of the kindness of their heart,” said Wiebe, who spoke to FOX Weather from Los Angeles on behalf of his family. “Unfortunately, it seems like the search and rescue is winding down because it’s been so long already. It’s going on for three weeks now.”
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Burnsville saw the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s wrath.
Wiebe’s brother’s sister-in-law, along with her husband, teenage son, and mother, fled Ukraine from the ravaged region of Kherson in April 2022. As the first city overtaken by Russian forces, the town was considered a dangerous place.
As they embarked on a perilous journey through Russia, they were constantly on the brink of capture, Wiebe said. They eventually managed to cross into Latvia, then Lithuania and made their way to Poland.
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Anastasiia Novitnia-Segen and her husband, Dmytro Segen, were killed in Helene’s floods.
After several months, the family finally reached Miami in June 2022, where other family members joined them the following month. Their extended family welcomed them at the airport and drove them to Burnsville, where they experienced a heartfelt reunion.
“They were so happy when they got here,” Wiebe said. “They finally made it.”
Soon after arriving, the family received work authorization and began jobs in home construction and cleaning services. A year later, they secured a mobile home to rent near their family.
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Ricky Wiebe’s brother’s home up the road from the trailer swept away in the flood.
“This was not a flood. A flood is a nice word,” he added. “This was a raging out-of-control monster of a river that rose 100 feet and ate trailers and trash trucks and homes and just turned them into scrap metal.”
The same river that now destroyed their family had once been a source of tranquility and joy.
Wiebe and his brother grew up on the river, their childhood filled with the joy of fishing, tubing, and navigating the rapids. Their home was nestled right beside the river, a beautiful spot that offered the soothing sounds of flowing water as a lullaby.
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Ricky Wiebe’s brother, Ryan, is seen on his farm in Burnsville with his son.
“But unfortunately, now this river has totally ripped up the landscape, and it doesn’t look like it once did before,” Wiebe said. “My brother is this scared of the river for what it’s done and the power that it can have now.”
For now, Wiebe said his family’s ultimate goal is to rebuild.
“We have more property higher up, and the water will never touch us there,” Wiebe said. “But of course, we’re going to have to come to peace with the river.”
Wiebe’s family’s tragedy is just one of many in the region devastated by the flooding.
As the North Carolina community unites to support the dozens of others who have also lost their lives and the numerous people still missing, Wiebe established a GoFundMe to help his family meet their immediate and long-term needs as they navigate the difficult road to recovery following their devastating loss.
“This is their home and community; they can’t just leave,” Wiebe said. “Please help them continue on and prevent this horrible tragedy from worsening.”
LINK: Get updates at foxweather.com.
Conclusion:
The families affected by Hurricane Helene’s destruction in North Carolina are struggling to come to terms with their losses and rebuild their lives. The storm’s devastation has left a trail of destruction and heartache in its wake, with dozens of people still missing and at least 250 fatalities reported across seven states. The community is coming together to support those affected, but the road to recovery will be long and difficult.
FAQs:
Q: How many people are still missing in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene?
A: More than 90 people are still missing.
Q: How many fatalities have been reported across seven states?
A: At least 250 people have lost their lives.
Q: What is the current situation for the Wiebe family, who lost four loved ones in the floods?
A: The family is working to rebuild and is seeking support through a GoFundMe campaign.
