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. On Thursday, North Carolina officials confirmed the state's death toll at 91, an increase of three from the previous day.
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.
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.
Western Carolina welcomes back spectators with a 30-16 win over The Citadel. The Catamounts debuted a "Prayers for Western Carolina" helmet sticker while also promoting a "Fill the Truck" effort to load the team equipment truck with fan donations of goods.
School leaders haven't set a reopening date. However, at a school board meeting on Friday, Oct. 11, Buncombe County school superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson said the plan is to bring in 32 5,000-gallon water tanks, one for each school currently without water, according to ABC Affiliate WLOS. In addition, the county is looking to bring in portable restroom trailers and is considering having schools share campuses or shortening school days. The superintendent said the district will do everything it can to reopen as fast as possible.
A local farmer is pulling double duty, helping his community get into the fall spirit while helping Hurricane Helene victims.
This weekend, Jackson Family Farms' pumpkin patch in Fayetteville will donate a portion of its sales to relief efforts in western North Carolina.
A farmer for nearly 30 years, Brent Jackson wanted to help those in need.
"Man, those people have been through a lot. I mean, it's the least I can do, and I wish I could go help, but I hope this can help in some way," he said.
They also have a lot of fresh produce grown right here in our viewing area at Jackson Family Farms. They are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
ABC11 got a look at the damage left behind in Bat Cave after Hurricane Helene.
The community is part of Henderson County, near Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.
Our crew rode along with the Bat Cave Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
You can see the mess left behind after mudslides. Homes were tossed around like toys.
"DOT needs a little more time to get these roads safer," Steve Freeman, who is with the department, said. "It's amazing the work they've done in a short amount of time."
Also, he said that some roads still need to be shored up to prevent people from running off the road and getting hurt.
