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