As we enter Day #10, Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham appeared on Fox News this morning to discuss the scope of the crisis in Western North Carolina.

According to Graham, the two most pressing needs are (1) volunteers and (2) hope.  Volunteers are needed to just grunt out the work of trying to clear homes, clear trees, get access to some of the most rural and isolated areas; and then provide HOPE to the people who have been devastated and lost everything.

As outlined, the Starlink communication system is being deployed to the churches as a rally point for the communities in the rural areas.  If they can get communication lines opened up at the same place fellowship can provide support, then two major issues can be tackled long-term for the residents in the most impacted areas.  WATCH:

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Both Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina are suffering from the flood damage.  In places of highest elevation, the Blue Ridge Parkway is reported to look desolate, every leaf removed from the entire tree line by hurricane force gales.  The valley areas are in various states of destruction caused by flooding; however, communication is starting to increase.  There are still a large number of missing people, and many estimate the death toll will climb.