Madison County suffers from Helene's influence, the mayors vow to rebuild

MADISON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) – Two of Madison County's busiest downtowns are after Helene. Marshall Mayor Aaron Haynie said there were “some” fatalities.

“We will rebuild and make things better for our city,” Haynie said.

The Hot Springs Fire Chief says they had to make two rescues.

“When I saw that, I burst into tears, man,” said Hot Springs resident Thomas Manning. “It’s my home, and now it’s gone.”

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A News 13 team watched as workers in Hot Springs and Marshall removed massive amounts of debris.

“We were watching it from the outside,” said Hot Springs business owner David Wagner. “I watched the water come through these walls, destroy buildings and completely displace them.”

“There are holes in the floors of buildings,” said Hot Springs Mayor Abigail Norton. “City Hall, the floor is dented, all the buildings up and down this street are just destroyed.”

Downtown Marshall is covered in mud and debris. A Main Street business owner said water rose two feet in her business.

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“It was devastating for the city of Marshall,” said Mayor Haynie. “Among many bad things I have seen, I have also seen many good things in the last few days with strangers hugging strangers.”

Haynie said if you need resources in Madison County or would like to drop off items for others, you can do so at Madison High School.

“It just takes my breath away. It’s been around for so long,” said Marshall resident Briar Allman. “Keep us in your thoughts, don’t forget little Marshall. We will rebuild.”