Helene Aftermath in Our Neighborhood: If anyone had been hurt in this, I could never have posted these photos.

[Bo Zarts]

The three children had upstairs bedrooms; their young parents had the downstairs master bedroom. During that horrible night of September 26/27, almost two weeks ago now, the parents woke up to sounds of the storm and the house creaking (or was it the 100 year old water oak next to the house giving an urgent warning?). The parents went upstairs and brought the children down to a safe room. Moments later the huge oak fell and split the house in two.



This house is a half a block away from us; we back up to a common alley. When the storm was over, that alley was one of the hardest hit streets in Greenville, South Carolina. There are still a few neighbors who back up to the alley who do not have power. Our power was restored Sunday night. But who cares about power when our neighborhood has so much to be thankful for!



The young couple had bought this old house about a year ago, after the elderly couple who had been there for ages both died within a month or so of each other. Our house is about the oldest in the 'hood at 119 years (1905). The proud new owners spent about six months having restoration work down, then moved their family in last Spring. It was their dream home. It was a happy day!



I've thought hard about it, and I think that had any of those children, or their young parents, or the entire family been killed .. I would have to move away. I'm not sure I could do my twice-daily walks down the alley behind this house had the worst happened. Even the thought of it makes me sad beyond belief, and I am normally the quintessential happy person.

This too shall pass, as did hurricane Helene. But if you are anywhere near the path of Milton, get the fuck out. We were lucky. But Tampa will be mostly gone on Thursday morning. Count on that.

Greenville, SC post-Helene .. date of photos October 5, 2024
©2024 Bo Zarts Studio

[Solly Mack]

1. I'm sorry for what they lost but ever so glad it wasn't worse.

I understand completely. I wouldn't be able to see the house and not think of what (might have) happened.

[LoisB]

2. I am so glad your neighbors were not injured. Terrible devastation.

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. Powerful Post, Mr. Zarts!

Thanks for for sharing with us on DU.

Sadly, I agree with your outlook on Tampa. This may become the worst disaster that we have ever experienced. as a country.

[calimary]

4. It's quite humbling, isn't it!

[Diamond_Dog]

5. That's just way too close for comfort.

I’m wondering how many folks who lived through this will have PTSD from it.

[Pacifist Patriot]

6. No words

[Fla Dem]

7. So difficult to imagine what's it's like to lose your home. Unbeliveable.

So thankful the family survived and that you and your family survived. Lot of mental trauma happening.

[Joinfortmill]

8. Oh, my, so sorry.

[ailsagirl]

9. ...

[mountain grammy]

10. Thank you for a first hand look

Into the devastation. Good luck to you and your neighbors.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

11. Gawd! We think of our houses as fortresses of solitude.

I am so glad their children are safe. Houses can be repaired or replaced -- lives can't.

They're fortunate we're campaign season. T***p will be there with a roll of paper towels and a film crew post-haste. He'll also have a cast of actors he's hired to play a devastated family. They will sob their lines: "Goddam Kam-el-ah Harris! She's given all the money away to illegal aliens and there's none left for (white) people like us. God bless you president Trump, you're our Savior."

And scene.

[wolfie001]

12. Seeing the interiors is very emotional

[Bo Zarts]

13. In a way it is obscene ..

That is why I made sure no one was as much as scratched and that the house has been condemned before even taking the photos. I decided to post them, as a cautionary tale, on the approach of hurricane Milton to the Florida peninsula.

[wolfie001]

14. Well, thank you for posting

I hope everyone has the resources available to get through and recover from this big weather event.

[GoneOffShore]

15. I saw these on FB earlier today and wasn't able to see the full extent of the damage.

Thank you for posting.
And thank you for your words.

[DemonGoddess]

16. Holy cow

At least they survived that. Horrible mess for them.