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Hurricane Helene caused 57 deaths in Buncombe County, left 'miles of complete devastation'

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Last updated: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 10:28PM GMT
57 deaths, 'miles of complete devastation' in Buncombe Co.
Hurricane Helene's death toll surpasses 150 people as rescuers search across the mountains of western North Carolina on Tuesday for anyone still unaccounted for.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Rescuers fanned out across the mountains of western North Carolina on Tuesday in search of anyone still unaccounted for since Hurricane Helene's remnants caused catastrophic damage to the Southeast, with the death toll nearing 140 people.

Many who lived through what was one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history were left without electricity or any way to reach out for help. Some cooked food on charcoal grills or hiked to high ground in the hopes of finding a signal to call loved ones.

The devastation was especially bad 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.

WATCH: North Carolina officials hold Tuesday briefing

Some roads are still impassable in the wake of Helene.

Just outside the city, in the small community of Swannanoa, receding floodwaters revealed cars stacked on top of others and trailer homes that had floated away during the storm. Roads were caked with mud and debris and pockmarked by sinkholes.

Exhausted emergency crews worked around the clock to clear roads, restore power and phone service, and reach those still stranded by the storm, which killed at least 139 people in six states. Nearly half of the deaths were in North Carolina, while dozens of others were in South Carolina and Georgia.

Officials have confirmed at least 40 deaths in Buncombe County alone. Gov. Roy Cooper said this number is likely to rise as rescue efforts continue.

Hundreds of people are still listed as missing.

The western part of the state is in ruins from destroyed homes, severe flooding, mudslides and collapsed roads. Some roads are gone making it a challenge to deliver water, food and other supplies to people.

Hospitals are running on a lifeline of their own in the form of backup power from generators as power crews work to restore electricity.

Search and rescue crews from all levels of government were deployed throughout western North Carolina. Federal agencies, aid groups and volunteers worked to deliver supplies by air, truck and even mule train.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
5:44 PM GMT

Helene help: Here's what you can do to assist our NC neighbors

Durham Rescue Mission will hold a supply drive to help those impacted by Helene on Sunday, Sept. 29 and Monday, Sept. 30.

You can drop off supplies at 1201 E. Main Street in Durham.

Johnston County, with the sheriff's office and emergency service, is hosting a week-long donation drive. You can drop off donations Monday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the sheriff's office at 2875 U.S. Highway 70 Business East in Smithfield. They will continue to accept donations until Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Red Cross is accepting donations, organizing blood drives and looking for volunteers. Click here to join them or find ways to help those impacted. You can also call 1-800-733-2767.

Samaritan's Purse, based out of Boone, is looking for volunteers to help homeowners with the destruction in the city.

You can also donate with United Way and Salvation Army.

FEMA

North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

There are several ways to apply: Online use the FEMA App. You can also call their toll-free line: 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET daily. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.

Helene may be past North Carolina, but its impact is still being felt.

NC Disaster Relief Fund

The money will support both immediate and long-term recovery efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund is managed by United Way of North Carolina. THe Duke Energy Foundation has already made a generous donation of $100,000.

Donations to the Governor's NC Disaster Relief Fund can be made here.

"We are deeply committed to helping all impacted North Carolina communities through this crisis," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president. "Our hope is that these matching funds will inspire others to join us in supporting our neighbors during this devastating time."

United Way

United Way of North Carolina has launched a UW Helps NC Fund. The fund will support immediate and long-term recovery efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Contributions to the UW Helps NC Fund can be made easily online. Donors can designate their contributions to a specific United Way or allow UWNC to allocate funds to the areas of greatest need.

Free Cleanup Assistance

You can also help those affected by letting homeowners and property owners know about free storm cleanup.

Crisis Cleanup has issued a number for folks to call for assistance with debris cleanup from Hurricane Helene: (844) 965-1386. All services are free, but they are not guaranteed. The hotline will remain open through Friday, October 11.

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