I have cousins in western NC, one in Murphy who was not much affected, and one near Asheville who was, but not as badly as some. The latter had a lot of trees down but didn't live near any creek. He is a retired NC forest ranger and pretty handy with gear, but he said it was going to take a while to get the area cleared, and they were without power and water, but getting on OK. My cousin from Murphy offered to drive over and help with chainsaws, I think they decided it wasn't needed, and the roads at the time were largely obstructed.
I know the area pretty well and remain astonished at the photos I've seen. I had no idea even extensive rain could push those rivers and creeks that far out of their beds.
FEMA it seems to me is more a coordinating entity that also doles out funds. Maybe that is a needed role by Federal government, one could argue the point. I've never had occasion to see them in action, fortunately.
