Augusta Man Uses Viral TikTok Video to Highlight Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath and Community Recovery Efforts

Augusta Man’s Viral TikTok Video Brings Attention to Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

In Augusta, a city that has recently suffered from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, a local resident is making headlines for a different reason than most viral video stars. Andrew Barnett, a 24-year-old creator and drone operator, has found himself at the center of attention for documenting the aftermath of the storm rather than indulging in the virality of his footage. “It’s cool, but it’s not a necessity right now,” he stated about his video, emphasizing the importance of community recovery over personal recognition.

Flipping the Script from Fun to Function

Barnett, who usually captures beautiful moments at events and weddings through his own media company, Andrew Barnett Media, woke up to a world turned upside down when Hurricane Helene hit Augusta. “I woke up to trees falling Friday morning. I was like, ‘This is crazy. Let’s film this,’” he shared recounting his motivation to record the destruction.

After posting his initial videos on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram and garnering impressive numbers, it was his wife, Charis, who suggested uploading it to TikTok. Despite his reservations, once he did, the video took off, amassing nearly 1.5 million views as of Wednesday afternoon. Barnett describes TikTok as “its own beast,” noting the unpredictable nature of virality on the platform.

A Unique Look at Local Devastation

The video showcased stunning aerial views of the destruction in the Murray Hill neighborhood, with trees and power lines strewn over the roads and homes. “If you look at where trees are down, it looks like it came over the hill, through Murray Hill, skipped the Sand Hills neighborhood, and then picked up again,” he elaborated. The reality was grim, and Barnett was grateful for the chance to illustrate it, especially since many of his friends pointed out that the area “wasn’t on the news at all.”

A Community in Crisis

Despite the shocking views on social media, Barnett’s primary urgency lies within the humanitarian crisis surrounding his community. With the Red Cross disaster relief setting up in the area, he is actively working with his neighbors to ensure they have essential supplies like gas and water. “The roads are still not cleared,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges they face. In an effort to help, he even ventured out in his F-150 with extra gas cans, delivering fuel and bottled water to those in need.

Adding a personal touch to the story, Barnett mentioned that his own family suffered significant damage when an oak tree fell on his parent’s roof, and multiple pine trees wreaked havoc on their pool deck.

Recovery Efforts Underway

Fast forward ten days post-storm, Barnett continued his efforts to document the recovery process. In his recent update video, he shared that while power restoration efforts are underway, the community is still faced with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. “We are still without power. The streets have begun to clear, and Georgia Power has begun to set new power poles to restore electricity to the neighborhood,” he concluded in his post.

This story reflects not only the impact of Hurricane Helene in Augusta but also how individuals can bring attention to their community’s struggles through the platforms available today. Barnett’s experience serves as a reminder that amidst the chaos, community support and resilience shine through.