A substantial relief effort is underway in Western North Carolina as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene. Over 1,500 North Carolina National Guard personnel are collaborating with soldiers from the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty. These troops, alongside the NCDOT, are clearing roads and distributing essential commodities. Additionally, they are involved in search and rescue operations and managing air traffic for relief missions.
Attorney General Josh Stein addressed the issue of price gouging and disaster repair scams following Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina Department of Justice has received 196 complaints related to alleged price gouging, particularly concerning fuel, groceries, and hotel costs. These complaints primarily involve businesses in Buncombe, Cleveland, Madison, and Mecklenburg counties.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited Haywood and Jackson counties to engage with residents affected by Hurricane Helene and to express gratitude to emergency personnel and volunteers. Relief efforts are ongoing in Western North Carolina as resources continue to be distributed throughout the region.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited Ashe, Watauga, and Avery counties to meet with community and business leaders regarding relief and recovery efforts. The Governor plans to visit Jackson and Haywood counties tomorrow to meet those affected by the storm and express gratitude to emergency personnel and volunteers for their hard work. Relief operations continue as coordinated efforts bring supplies into Western North Carolina.
President Biden has approved a request from Governor Roy Cooper for active-duty military personnel and equipment to aid in rescue, relief, and recovery operations in Western North Carolina. This decision follows the governor's earlier request for Department of Defense aviation resources, which had already been approved to help deliver personnel and equipment to the affected areas.
Today, President Joe Biden and Governor Roy Cooper conducted an aerial survey of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. The visit was followed by a briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center where President Biden announced the approval of 100% FEMA reimbursement for six months to support recovery efforts.
Governor Roy Cooper visited Western North Carolina today to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. He was accompanied by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, NCDPS Secretary Eddie Buffaloe, and NCDOT Chief Operating Officer Chris Peoples. The Governor's itinerary included stops at food and supply distribution centers in Marion and Black Mountain, where he expressed gratitude to volunteers and spoke with residents affected by the storm.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in Western North Carolina as authorities work to restore critical infrastructure and deliver essential supplies to communities affected by Hurricane Helene.