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Thousands remain without water one week after Helene, death toll reaches 220 across 6 states

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Last updated: Saturday, October 5, 2024 11:26PM GMT
Videos: Hurricane Helene leaves behind widespread damage in NC
Videos: Hurricane Helene leaves behind widespread damage in NC

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- 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 220.

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 death toll in North Carolina is at 72 after Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller reported additional deaths. At least 200 people remain missing.

The sheriff sent a message to those still stranded or unaccounted for.

"We know these are hard times, but please know we're coming. We're here to get you," Sheriff Miller said Thursday. "We will not rest until you are secure and being cared for," he 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.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Oct 04, 2024, 5:06 PM GMT

NC Search & Rescue Team Task Force 8 leave to help with Helene efforts

North Carolina Search and Rescue Team Task Force 8 headed to Mitchell County Friday morning.

The team included 16 Raleigh firefighters and five Durham firefighters. Three other firefighters from Chapel Hill left Thursday.

The team is tasked with a heavy mission going to each structure (or what was left of a house or building) and looking for people who need help.

Clayton Welch with the Raleigh Fire Department said: "I don't think any of us are really prepared for what we may see. But we're just going into it with a positive mind frame and just hoping that we can help some people out."

Wake County EMS sent out two of their search and rescue and swift water medics with Task Force 8.

"They are embedded in primarily for the physical health of the team members," Candice Carter, a special operations commander with Wake County EMS, said, "but they are also there for the mental health of all the team members.

The team will relieve a crew that left Thursday before Helene hit.

Oct 04, 2024, 4:48 PM GMT

VP Harris will be in Asheville to survey storm damage

Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to North Carolina this weekend to survey the impacts of Hurricane Helene. She will give an update on the Federal government's support of emergency response and recovery efforts.

Read more.

Oct 04, 2024, 3:13 PM GMT

Duke Energy substation needs to be rebuilt due to damage from Helene

Around 200,000 Duke Energy customers in western North Carolina still have no power after Helene swept through the area last week.

ABC affiliate WLOS reported the substation Swannanoa River Road, powering customers in the Biltmore Village area, is surrounded by rubble.

It needs to be rebuilt over the next three to four months.

Read more.

The Biltmore Village in Asheville saw significant flooding after Hurricane Helene moved through the state on Friday.
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Oct 04, 2024, 1:24 PM GMT

NC parks west of I-77 closed through end of the month

It is a popular time of year to head to the mountains to check out the fall foliage, but the North Carolina Department of Transportation is reminding everyone that travel in the western part of the state is limited.

On top of that, all state parks west of I-77 are closed through at least the end of the month.

That includes Chimney Rock, Crowders Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and Mount Mitchell state parks.

All state parks west of I-77 are closed through at least the end of the month.

Days of torrential rains in North Carolina culminating with tropical downpours from what was Hurricane Helene led to officials to close two main interstates in the mountains after the storm came through.

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