South Raleigh News

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.

“Hurricane Helene is bringing devastating impacts to Western North Carolina and danger remains as rivers are continuing to rise and search and rescue teams do their work,” said Governor Cooper. “We’ll continue to work with federal, state, non-profit and local partners to get people the help they need as we respond to this crisis and begin the recovery process.”

Efforts are underway by state, federal, and local partners to provide food, water, and critical supplies to affected areas. Operations are also focusing on improving access and telecommunications in communities damaged by the storm. While emergency response remains a priority, recovery services are being coordinated across North Carolina.

Gary Robertson of the Associated Press reported that Governor Cooper arrived at Asheville Regional Airport around 10:30 a.m., where he met with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. They received updates on storm recovery needs from Cooper and three Cabinet secretaries present.

Cooper greeted members of the North Carolina National Guard at the airport before boarding a National Guard C-26 aircraft for an aerial tour of damaged areas including Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Burnsville, and Marshall. Significant debris was observed covering parts of Lake Lure.

The group then visited Mission Hospital in Asheville where executives emphasized restoring city water services as a top priority for hospital operations. Greg Lowe, president of HCA Healthcare’s North Carolina division stated that daily water tanker trucks have been essential since the storm hit.

“We know that we are providing safe care, good quality care, but we're stretched. We're very stretched,” Lowe said. Relief health care workers have been brought in due to staff exhaustion. The hospital is preparing for further challenges with three mobile morgues ready for potential increased fatalities.

Cooper’s team also visited downtown Asheville businesses assisting displaced residents. Kyle James of Flour coffee shop mentioned distributing over 300 biscuits Monday morning. Additionally, The Restoration hotel prepared 100 beds for out-of-town first responders despite lacking running water.

In Arden, Cooper thanked volunteers at Biltmore Church’s feeding site where Rev. Jason Gaston estimated 3,000 cars had sought assistance since early Monday.

A news conference at Asheville Regional Airport concluded Cooper’s visit where he highlighted ongoing efforts: “This has been an unprecedented storm that has hit western North Carolina,” he said. “It’s requiring an unprecedented response.”

State Emergency Management Director Will Ray noted over 7,000 residents had registered for FEMA assistance with funds already being distributed. Nearly 800 National Guard members have been activated.

Criswell assured continued support from FEMA: “We’re going to be here as long as it takes to finish this response.” She described the storm as having a “catastrophic impact on this community.”

Addressing evacuation measures before the storm hit, Cooper acknowledged local leaders’ efforts but emphasized the unprecedented nature of the event: “The devastation was beyond belief...this is something that’s never happened before in western North Carolina.”