State, federal, and local partners are collaborating to provide resources to Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage in the region. Efforts are underway to deliver food, water, and critical supplies to affected areas. There is also progress in improving access and telecommunications in communities impacted by the storm. The state is focusing on emergency response while also initiating recovery services with federal and local assistance.
Governor Roy Cooper visited Western North Carolina to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Accompanied by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, NCDPS Secretary Eddie Buffaloe, NCDHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley, and NC Emergency Management Officials, Cooper surveyed the storm's impact and ongoing response efforts.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced the appointment of Jamie Adams as District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 21. This district serves Anson, Richmond, and Scotland counties. Adams will replace the retiring District Attorney Reece Saunders.
Attorney General Josh Stein provided an update on price gouging complaints following Hurricane Helene. The Department of Justice has received 64 complaints alleging price gouging in western North Carolina, mainly concerning hotel rates, grocery prices, and fuel prices. These complaints predominantly involve Watauga, McDowell, and Cleveland counties. The Attorney General’s Office is investigating these complaints and has issued three civil investigative demands to gather more information.
Attorney General Josh Stein honored seven North Carolinians from the Triad area with the Attorney General’s Dogwood Award. The awards recognize individuals working to improve the health, safety, and well-being of their communities.
The North Carolina Republican Party has announced a donation drive to support the victims of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. The hurricane has caused significant damage, and relief efforts are urgently needed.
Governor Roy Cooper is urging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to aid communities in recovering from the extensive damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene.
North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for disaster assistance from FEMA. This includes homeowners and renters in 25 counties, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who suffered uninsured damage or losses.
North Carolina's law against price gouging, or charging too much in times of a crisis, goes into effect when the governor or the legislature declares a state of emergency. In some cases, businesses and industries that are heavily impacted by the incident causing the state of emergency have a reasonable need to increase prices in order to resupply, but they should disclose these increases so people can make informed purchasing decisions. Businesses cannot, however, unreasonably raise the price of goods or services to profit from a state of emergency.
Critical supplies are reaching Western North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene as crews work to restore power, cell phone service, and repair roads.
President Biden has approved Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Helene. This decision will provide immediate federal assistance to 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.