In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the western regions of North Carolina, an unexpected group of heroes emerged. American farmers were among the first to respond, arriving on scene with drones in tow.
Seventy miles east of Asheville, in Hickory, N.C., Russell Hedrick and his father cleared fallen trees on their operation, working to open roads and access their rows. Compelled to do more beyond their land, they repurposed their agricultural drones for disaster relief.
By Sept. 30, their team had mobilized. Hedrick loaded his drone trailer with pallets of water and food, heading towards Asheville to assist stranded individuals. His efforts quickly expanded to cover both the Asheville and Marion areas, with a supply drop-off point established in Marion.
Technology Meets Compassion
Using a DJI T40 drone, Hedrick delivered a chain of drone relief. Additionally, he flew a DJI Mavic 3M drone at night, using thermal imagery to pinpoint survivors for emergency services.
The use of drone technology was a game-changer. As Cody Jarvis, a friend of Hedrick who joined the relief efforts, describes, “I got to experience a whole new level of helping others with the innovative technology of drones. Drones flown by some of America’s best farmers.”
“These weren’t just any farmers,” Jarvis continues. “They came from North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and Wisconsin, stepping away from their crops to offer their assistance and equipment free of charge. Using thermal imaging, they located stranded individuals, delivered supplies to inaccessible areas, and helped family members reconnect with their loved ones.”
Relief
The relief efforts caught the attention of the wider community. Soil Regen partnered with Green America and the Soil Climate Initiative to create a fund: DRONES TO THE RESCUE - HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF. Within days, $13,000 was raised, with all proceeds going towards purchasing supplies for hurricane victims.
Support was widespread. Three hundred miles west in Tennessee, Bryan Petersen of Whitaker farms loaded 4 pallets of water and bought $1000 worth of beef jerky to contribute to the effort. Jeremy Slack from Ohio connected with his church community to coordinate the donation and delivery of 4 semi-loads of water and blankets to Hedrick’s barn for distribution.
As the days progressed, the team’s efforts intensified. They pushed further west, encountering mud slides and destroyed houses. The damage, as Hedrick describes, was “pretty sobering.”
Despite the challenges, the team’s spirit was strong. Hedrick shares a lighthearted moment: “My bright spot was at a farm where the lady came to the other side of the river and asked if the drones had cameras because she remembered to put her teeth in and bra on. We laughed pretty good at that one.”
Critical Needs
As of Oct. 3, the team had transitioned from McDowell to Fairview in Buncombe County, pushing into more desolate areas. They put out a call for side-by-sides to help navigate the difficult terrain. Bottled water, canned food, baby formula, and diapers were among the most needed items.
For more information, see the following from Soil Regen: “We have created a tax deductible donation link for those who wish to contribute to the effort. 100% of proceeds will be used to purchase supplies, such as fuel, water and food, for the victims. To donate, click here.”
