Ed note: I received this note today from a friend who was able to contact a mutual friend in Ashville, NC. Hard to imagine. Are we ready here with water, supplies, sanitation and cash?
“I had a good full talk with ……several days ago, after a couple days trying to contact him (finally able to reach him with help from ……….. who gave me his son ………..’s number). He was doing OK, though without power; likely restored by now. No water for a LONG time as big mudslide destroyed water main from mountain reservoir that serves Asheville – you’ve probably heard about that. A huge oak tree was resting on his roof, & was to be removed by large crane in a few days; if it had fallen slightly differently, a large branch could have crashed into his bedroom & killed him in bed. During the very heavy rain, water was pouring into his backyard & forming a pool, despite his efforts to block the water coming in from nearby stream. He was able to eat peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, & had lots of breakfast cereal, hoping to be able to purchase food before long. After fallen trees were cleared from all the roads, he was able to drive downtown, where Trader Joe was open, with long line (2 blocks) waiting to get in – he heard woman guarding the door say, OK next 3 people can go inside. Other grocery stores apparently closed. He was in good spirits & taking things as they come, as well as he can–at age 86.”