5 die from flooding in Haywood County; 1 still missing

Frank Mungo, 86, Franklin McKenzie, 68, Judy Mason, 73, Charlene Mungo, 83, all of Cruso were killed in the flooding.

The fifth victim, Frank Lauer Sr., 74, of Cruso, was located on Sunday. His family has been notified of his death.

Officials said one person is still missing, and search efforts were currently underway.

“We would like to extend our sympathies to all the families who have been affected by this tragedy and most especially to those who have lost loved ones,” said Sheriff Greg Christopher.

Drones and K-9s were assisting ground and swift water rescue teams, with a total of 225 rescuers assigned to work.

Aside from people in need of immediate rescue, hundreds of families also lost their homes. Officials said some entire neighborhoods were washed away.

"There are areas of the community that don't exist anymore," said Travis Donaldson, emergency services director for Haywood County.

Piles of debris – construction materials and the remnants of people's lives and livelihoods – could take weeks to comb through, officials said.

At least 10 to 15 bridges were also destroyed in Cruso alone – making transportation and hauling debris more complicated.

Residents and volunteers are working to clean properties up, as people come together to try and support the community.

"People are reaching out from around the nation to try and help pick up the pieces," he said.

American Cleaners in Canton, a long-established business, got a shoutout from Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers. Smathers and other local officials have called on state leaders to secure more relief funding to help business owners like Tom Wilson rebuild.

Wilson owns the cleaners and said this isn't his first flood. The 82-year-old said his business was nearly destroyed after back-to-back hurricanes led to severe flooding in 2004.

This time, Wilson estimated his losses were upward of $500,000. Wilson says his insurance will cover some of the damage to the building but won't cover the more than $500,000 of equipment, some of which he just bought.

Nevertheless, Wilson's not backing down from the challenge the floods have brought.

"A lot of people would just say declare bankruptcy, that’s not me, I’m a fighter," Wilson said.

Animals and pets have also been displaced, with the local animal shelter stepping up to provide protection and food for these lost animals.

An emergency shelter was set up at Tuscola High School. The shelter was housing seven people on Friday.

The flooding and mudslides were so bad as the remnants of Tropical Depression Fred slammed into Haywood County that nearly 100 people had to be rescued, and several communities had water levels reach 3 to 7 feet higher than their previous high watermark.

With more rain in the forecast for the weekend, some people are concerned about the potential for more flooding and damage that will delay rescue and rebuilding efforts.

Officials cautioned people who are cleaning up debris to make sure and catalog missing or destroyed items, and take photos for insurance purposes.

Adele Barcia of Canton said her family, including her service animal, were rescued. Barcia and her family are staying in a motel after her home flooded.

“All we can do is pray that FEMA gets involved," said Barcia. "The whole community is waiting for them, but it’s unknown right now if we get them. So many people are homeless.”

For families in need of assistance, a help line has been set up at 828-356-2022. Anyone wanting to donate items for the recovery effort can take goods to: