North Carolina county debunks rumors of "bodies everywhere" and government seizures in a storm-ravaged city

Rutherford County in western North Carolina this week debunked two false rumors spread in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

“We are aware of several false reports circulating on social media regarding the situation at Chimney Rock. “We want to address these rumors directly to ensure the public has accurate information,” Rutherford County Emergency Management said in a statement posted on social media. The city was devastated by the powerful remnants of the hurricane.

The agency said rumors of a “special meeting” to discuss the seizure of Chimney Rock in North Carolina by federal, state or local governments following severe hurricane damage were “completely false.”

However, Chimney Rock, about 20 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, sustained significant damage from the storm.

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Debris is seen in Chimney Rock Village in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

“Everything along the river is gone,” Tracy Stevens of the destroyed Chimney Rock Brewing Co. told the Asheville Citizen-Times. “What was once a city is now a river. This is beyond anything I can imagine.”

Emergency management also clarified false rumors that there were “bodies everywhere” in the city.

“Tragically, we have two confirmed fatalities due to the storm. Claims that there are dead bodies everywhere are completely baseless,” officials said. “Our emergency services and professional contractors are working tirelessly to clear debris and keep residents safe and we will continue to provide support to those affected.”

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On Friday, the agency also said more than 800 people across the county have been confirmed safe “thanks to the diligent efforts of the Sheriff's Office and the FBI team working to verify all missing persons.”

Homes damaged by the hurricane in Chimney Rock

Homes can be seen in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, in the wake of Hurricane Helene on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

More than 200 people have been evacuated from Chimney Rock and nearby Lake Lure, and more than 13,000 people in the county are still without power.

The agency said residents of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure can now return to their homes but “will be required to present proof of residency at certain checkpoints. Access to Chimney Rock via the bridge is strictly prohibited. Through traffic is not permitted in downtown Lake Lure at this time.” Energy and cleanup crews are actively operating in these areas near Lake Lure Beach and beyond. “So please drive slowly and carefully.”