South Raleigh News

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.

“Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented devastation across Western North Carolina and we are leading an unprecedented response to surge food, water and needed supplies into these communities,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This will be a long and difficult recovery and we must use every state, local and federal resource at our disposal to save lives, restore communications, and begin critical repairs to roads and infrastructure.”

Governor Cooper has activated more than 400 National Guard personnel. Search and rescue teams from multiple states have rescued over 500 people, including 422 by the NC National Guard (NCNG). Additionally, 42 critically injured individuals were saved along with four infants and 64 animals. The NCNG has delivered 306 pallets of water and 230 pallets of food since the storm began.

Efforts are ongoing to provide necessities through ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. FEMA has supplied approximately one million liters of water and over 600,000 meals to North Carolina. Feeding sites have been established at Biltmore Baptist Church in Buncombe County, Grace Community Church in McDowell County, and First Baptist Church in Watauga County.

Twenty-nine shelters housing a total of 1107 people have been opened in affected areas. A list of shelters can be found at www.readync.gov.

President Biden approved Governor Cooper’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This declaration allows Public Assistance for local governments as well as access to FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Over 5,000 households have contacted FEMA for assistance.

FEMA may assist with serious needs such as displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property loss or other disaster-related needs. Homeowners and renters in designated counties can apply for aid through www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

Thirty-four storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina with dozens reported missing. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner continues confirming fatalities. First responders have received hundreds of rescue calls along with more than 1,000 welfare check requests.

More than 450,000 customers remain without power across the region, down from a peak of over one million outages. Travel remains hazardous with over 400 road closures; NCDOT advises against unnecessary travel to allow first responders clear passage for their missions.

Cellphone providers are working on restoring service disrupted by the storm. Restoring communication is essential for saving lives and delivering supplies; Governor Cooper has maintained contact with cellphone companies urging swift action.

To report missing persons or request non-emergency support call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. For cleanup assistance due to home damages call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386 for volunteer organization help.

Donations can be made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund via nc.gov/donate. Information on volunteer opportunities is available at nc.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities/volunteernc.

For further assistance or information contact ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599. General information can be accessed at ncdps.gov/helene or email IArecovery@ncdps.gov for recovery help inquiries related to storm impacts.

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