(WGHP) — Eleven North Carolinians lost their lives as Helene cut through western North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper announced during a Sunday afternoon news conference.
“And, tragically, we know there will be more,” Cooper said. “Our prayers and condolences go out to those families in this terrible time.”
Helene brought 10-29 inches of rain across the North Carolina mountains, causing “life-threatening floods and landslides,” according to the governor.
The governor’s office has deployed more than 500 North Carolina National Guard troops, as well as high-water vehicles, to help.
Due to the difficulty traveling through much of western North Carolina by land due extensive road closures, officials are airlifting food and water to affected area. Mass feeding sites have opened.
More than 500 North Carolina National Guard members have been deployed, and they, along with 19 teams from other states and three federal teams, have rescued hundreds of people.
The state’s top priority is getting drinkable water to people in affected areas. Close to 70,000 households have been impacted by the closure of seven water plants across Avery, Burke, Haywood, Jackson, Rutherford, Watauga and Yancey counties. 17 water plants have no power, and 23 are on backup power.
Boil water advisories have been issued for 50 communities across western North Carolina. The CDC has a guide on how to render water safe.
Western North Carolina is struggling with communications problems, and, while service is returning in some others, others may be without for multiple days. Cellphone providers are working to repair damaged equipment and implement stopgap measures.
At peak, more than a million North Carolinians were without power. As of Sunday afternoon, that number was down to 464,000.
Travel warning
Officials warn the public not to travel to western North Carolina. As of Saturday, there were about 390 roads and dozens of main highways closed due to flooding, downed trees, landslides and storm damage. Interstate 26, south of Asheville, is open, but it was the only major thoroughfare open as of Saturday evening.
Emergency management and transportation workers are working to reopen roads as soon as possible and rush in emergency supplies. The N.C. Department of Transportation is prioritizing work to reopen interstates, U.S. and state highways before getting to secondary routes, but the department also is working with utility companies and local emergency officials to find alternative routes and to assist in maintaining access to shelters and restoring power.Â
Contacting loved ones
Anyone trying to connect with family members can call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from outside the state) to report missing loved ones.
People in the impacted areas can indicate they are safe by checking in on Facebook crisis response or reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800- ED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations. Â
Federal funding available to those affected
Pres. Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina, making federal funding available to affected people in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The help can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Individuals and business owners who suffered losses in the designated areas can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App.
How you can help
FOX8 is partnering with The Salvation Army for Hurricane Helene relief.
According to the Salvation Army’s website, the organization is ready to provide “emergency aid, food, drinks, emotional and spiritual care, and long-term recovery services to survivors and rescue workers.”
You can donate using the blue button below. 100% of your donation will go towards Hurricane Helene relief.
