ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's a long road for western North Carolina residents after Hurricane Helene hit the region over a week ago, leaving catastrophic damage.
The death toll has risen to at least 230 across six states. Nearly half of the storm's deaths were in North Carolina, while dozens of others were in South Carolina and Georgia.
The devastation was terrible in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where at least 40 people died in and around the city of Asheville, a tourism haven known for its art galleries, breweries, and outdoor activities. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) says there have been 77 verified storm-related deaths in the state from Helene.
The western part of the state is in ruins from destroyed homes, severe flooding, mudslides, and collapsed roads. Some roads made it challenging to deliver water, food, and other supplies to people. Search and rescue crews from all levels of government were deployed throughout western North Carolina.
There are at least 3,300 active National Guard members. Their assistance includes providing basic medical care, participating in search and rescue efforts and distributing supplies.
President Joe Biden ordered 500 more active-duty troops Sunday with advanced technological assets to western NC. He said 1500 troops "will now support thousands of National Guardsman and federal personnel on the ground."
Officials in Buncombe County said Sunday their primary search is 90% complete. Fourteen urban search and rescue teams, including eight federal, are actively searching the area.
Most roads -- an estimated 90% -- are open to emergency vehicles, authorities said Sunday.
For the county, FEMA-approved assistance has surpassed $12 million for survivors, the agency said. FEMA is also pushing back against false claims and misinformation about the federal response to Helene, calling it a "truly dangerous narrative."
The Department of Transportation said Saturday it is sending $100 million in emergency funds to help repair roads and bridges in the state. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called the emergency aid an initial road of funding.
"We know there is much more to do," Gov. Roy Cooper said Monday during a briefing.
Exhausted emergency crews worked around the clock to clear roads, restore power and phone service, and reach those still stranded by the storm.
Cooper said restoration of power and water will occur community by community. Some have already seen their power come back on.
"We're still opening roads, still working to reach communities, still have search and rescue occurring as we speak," Cooper said. "But we know the people of NC will pull together and the people of WNC will recover from this storm and will work to be more resilient than ever."
Help people affected by Hurricane Helene. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Donate now at redcross.org/abc.
