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Governor Roy Cooper gives Helene relief briefing at Asheville airport: 'so much more to do'

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Last updated: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 1:32PM GMT
Yancey County first responder powers through personal grief
In hard-hit Yancey County, crews continue to try to reach those deeply affected by Helene's path of destruction.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Click here for the latest live blog.

Rescuers continue to search for anyone still unaccounted for since Hurricane Helene's remnants caused catastrophic damage to the Southeast, with the death toll at least 230.

The number of deaths stood at 225 on Friday; two more were recorded in South Carolina the following day. It was still unclear how many people were unaccounted for or missing, and the toll could rise even higher.

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.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) says there have been 77 verified storm-related deaths in the state from Helene.

In Buncombe County, where Asheville is located, FEMA-approved assistance has surpassed $12 million for survivors, the agency said.

"This is critical assistance that will help people with their immediate needs, as well as displacement assistance that helps them if they can't stay in their home," a spokesperson said.

Exhausted emergency crews worked around the clock to clear roads, restore power and phone service, and reach those still stranded by the storm. Nearly half of the storm's deaths were in North Carolina, while dozens of others were in South Carolina and Georgia.

The ongoing search is complicated by obstacles such as landslides and blocked roads.

"Our search and rescue crews are using drones and canines to search for people," an official told ABC News. "Once those crews have exhausted every resource, we will conclude the search."

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.

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.

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.

EDITORS NOTE: A previous version of this article stated there were 113 deaths in North Carolina

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Oct 01, 2024, 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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