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Donations continue to pour in for western NC; death toll surpasses 230 | Helene live updates

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Last updated: Monday, October 7, 2024 2:05PM GMT
Videos: Hurricane Helene leaves behind widespread damage in NC
"When someone is hurting, we want to help out," Seth Gross, the owner of Bull City Burger and Brewery, said.

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 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, Tierney said Saturday during a news briefing.

"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," she 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.
WTVD logo
11:08 AM GMT

Faith and community shine amid Helene cleanup at Hendersonville High School service

A catastrophic event like Helene can test a person's faith. That faith is also bringing people together.

Hundreds of people gathered at a makeshift service at Hendersonville High School's football stadium. For many, it was a chance to hear a message of unity and hope after escaping the destruction of their neighborhoods.

Aaron and Larissa Smith had their home destroyed by Helene.

"We heard a very loud thud, and that was a couple-ton boulder that was in the room next to ours," Aaron said. "It came and knocked the wall down in the bed we were supposed to be sleeping in, and then obviously thousands of pounds of mud and all that poured into the house."

Many at the Sunday service say God has been showing up through the kindness of others in the former of seemingly endless donations and volunteers.

A catastrophic event like Helene can test a person's faith.
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9:31 AM GMT

North Carolina State Board of Elections to give update on elections in west NC

North Carolina State Board of Elections is expected to provide an update Monday on the impact of Hurricane Helene on elections in western North Carolina.

Read more.

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3 hours ago

Durham restaurant rally with donations for western NC relief efforts

Donations continue to pour into western North Carolina, with much of it coming from the Triangle.

Owner Seth Gross showed us the donations people dropped off inside Bull City Burger and Brewery. We also saw water, food, toiletries, blankets and other essentials in the back.

Combined with what's been dropped off at their sister location, Bull City Solera and Taproom, the supplies are part of a truckload headed to the western part of the state Monday.

Gross said there's a kinship with breweries in Asheville.

"The beer community is a network of brothers and sisters," he said. "And when someone is hurting, we want to help out. So, you know, some of those breweries have taprooms now here in Durham."

"When someone is hurting, we want to help out," Seth Gross, the owner of Bull City Burger and Brewery, said.

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.

HOW TO HELP: Charities, organizations supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts

ByBill Hutchinson ABCNews logo
3:42 AM GMT

Officials say primary search of Buncombe County nearly complete

Officials in Buncombe County, North Carolina, said Sunday their primary search is 90% complete.

At a news conference, officials said they are using K-9 units as they search piles of debris for victims in the search and recovery operation. Fourteen urban search and rescue teams, including eight federal, are actively searching the area, officials said.

Most of the roads -- an estimated 90% -- are open to emergency vehicles, authorities said at the briefing.

The Army Corp of Engineers is helping to work on the damaged water infrastructure along with 160 city water employees in Asheville, and four contractors, according to officials.

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