Ukrainian Refugees Among Victims of Hurricane Helene’s Destruction in North Carolina

Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction across North Carolina, claiming the lives of many, including a family of Ukrainian refugees from Kherson.

For two weeks, Lysa Gindinova hoped her family, who had fled Ukraine during Russia’s invasion, had also escaped the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. However, the discovery of a personal item — a gold earring — found by search teams confirmed the worst. The earring, recognized as belonging to Gindinova’s aunt, Anastasiia Novitnia Segen, marked the tragic end of her family’s journey.

According to USA today, Anastasiia’s body was located approximately 10 miles from the family’s home near Asheville, North Carolina. Her husband, Dmytro, was identified nearby through a fingerprint match. Search efforts continue for their 13-year-old son, Yevhenii, and Anastasiia’s mother, Tatiana Novitnia, both of whom remain unaccounted for after the storm.

The Segen family had relocated to North Carolina after escaping Kherson, Ukraine, which was one of the first cities occupied by Russian forces in early 2022. They settled in Micaville, North Carolina, after receiving temporary refuge through a US humanitarian program.

The Segens are among the hundreds of victims affected by Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding across several US states. As of the latest reports, the death toll has reached at least 228, with many individuals still missing due to early disruptions in power and communication networks. In North Carolina alone, 81 people were reported missing as of Tuesday, according to state authorities.

The Segen family’s home, located near the South Toe River, was destroyed by rapidly rising floodwaters. The river surged by nearly six feet in just seven hours, submerging homes, infrastructure, and vehicles in its path. Search efforts continue, but there are no further updates on the missing family members at this time.

The Segens had integrated into the local community in North Carolina, with Dmytro working in construction, and Yevhenii attending public school. Anastasiia had taken up part-time work cleaning homes, while Tatiana maintained a garden near their home, reminiscent of her life in Ukraine.