ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Drone video captured above the historic Biltmore Village in western North Carolina shows the impact of more than a foot of rainfall on the community around Asheville during Hurricane Helene.
A record crest of the nearby Swannanoa River sent floodwaters racing through the village, destroying the first floors of many buildings and trapping residents who did not evacuate.
The drone video showed water levels reaching the first floors of several structures but still below the height of traffic lights, which are typically at least 20 feet tall.
Biltmore Village, originally constructed in the 1800s for workers of the Biltmore Estate, has since become a popular tourist destination.
As of Saturday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s office reported that more than 200 people had been rescued from floodwaters, with rescue operations expected to continue for several more days.
Buncombe …