(Courtesy of Matzil) When Hurricane Helene hit Asheville, North Carolina, it left devastation. Powerful winds tore through the city, ripping trees from their roots, while heavy rains transformed neighborhoods into flooded, isolated pockets. The storm was disastrous —power was lost, roads were blocked, and communication became nearly impossible.
Sarah Cohen, a local resident, feared for her elderly parents, stranded in their mountain home. With no way to contact them and the situation growing increasingly dangerous, Sarah called for help. Matzil received Sarah’s plea early Monday morning, setting into motion a coordinated response to the growing crisis in Asheville, just as reports of widespread destruction were surfacing. By 2 p.m., a search and rescue (SAR) team had mobilized. Their rapid deployment included a Mobile Command Unit (IC-1), nine certified SAR technicians, two SAR managers, and two SAR EMTs, all prepared for the challenging conditions awaiting them. Their members quickly loaded up from throughout New York and New Jersey and traveled down to North Carolina.
Meanwhile, their remote command center setup in Union County, New Jersey was hard at work. Partnering with Chabad of Asheville, they compiled requests for assistance and mapped out areas in need. These coordinated efforts allowed the team to maximize their efficiency upon arrival, ensuring help reached the hardest-hit neighborhoods without delay.
Matzil’s highly trained team, equipped with the necessary medical and rescue gear, refused to give up after failed attempts to reach a woman stranded on a remote mountain. By Tuesday afternoon, they successfully located her, provided necessary medical attention, and transported her to a FEMA evacuation site to reunite with her family. Their ability to navigate treacherous terrain and complete the rescue reflected the depth of their training and experience.
Over 48 hours, Matzil’s team worked tirelessly, responding to 100-plus calls for help, including evacuations, medical responses and welfare checks. Matzil’s commitment to ensuring every cry for assistance was answered well into the night. By early Wednesday morning, Matzil’s Mobile Command confirmed that all emergency requests had been addressed, marking the completion of a grueling but successful operation.
Chabad of Western North Carolina and Achiezer played key roles in providing logistical support, while CommSAR, Chaveirim of Central Jersey, and Lakewood Shomrim contributed additional manpower to help cover the vast number of requests.
In addition to their direct rescue work, Matzil also played a crucial role in coordinating broader disaster response efforts. Their Mobile Command Unit became a central hub for organizing evacuations, conducting welfare checks, and facilitating communication with local authorities, streamlining the recovery process and ensuring no one was left behind.
As the storm subsided and Matzil’s team prepared to return home, the impact of their efforts could be felt throughout the community. Residents of Asheville expressed their deep gratitude, noting that the team’s swift and effective response helped confront the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Though Matzil is often recognized for its lifesaving rescues, this mission highlighted its ability to contribute to the broader recovery and relief efforts, showing that its expertise extends beyond search and rescue. The story of Matzil’s work in Asheville reminds us of how communities and organizations can partner during times of crisis. While disaster may strike without warning, the dedication and resilience of those who respond can help rebuild lives and restore hope for those affected.
Matzil Search And Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides a highly trained emergency response to wilderness and urban emergencies. Matzil also provides preventative training and tips for hikers of all levels.
Matzil was founded by a group of individuals with a passion for the outdoors and helping others. Their membership consists of EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, veterans, and other highly trained professionals in a variety of fields.
Though based out of Rockland County, New York, Matzil’s membership is composed of SAR technicians and managers from Bergen, Union, Ocean, Kings, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan Counties. All of their members are completely volunteer, and ready to answer the call 24/7 365.
Learn more at https://www.matzil.org
