Hurricane Helene destroyed everything they owned, year later, they still wait to rebuild

FAIRVIEW, N.C. (WTVD) -- When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, the state estimated more than 125,000 homes were damaged. A year later, many families are still struggling to rebuild, including the Marlowes of Fairview, who lost nearly everything.

On September 27, 2024, mudslides and floodwaters from behind their property swept through the Marlowe home, leaving it unlivable. Triplets Zoe, Henri, and Ian were inside when the water rushed in. They captured cell phone video of the terrifying experience as they climbed onto the kitchen counter, trapped.

"For about 10 minutes, I thought I was going to die," Henri recalled. Ian added, "The only thing we could do was pray. About thirty minutes later, the water started receding." Once safe across the street, they turned ba