South Raleigh News

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.

“The response to this crisis so far has been a massive effort of coordination and logistics,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “As emergency responders continue search and rescue operations in Western North Carolina, local, state, federal, private and non-profit partners continue to work in concert to provide food, water, shelter and other basic necessities for people in need. Simultaneously, thousands of private sector and government employees are working 24/7 to restore critical infrastructure including power, water, wastewater treatment, cellular phone service and internet connectivity.”

Efforts are underway to provide food, water, and basic necessities using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. FEMA has delivered 18 trailers of food and water this morning with plans for further deliveries throughout the day. More than 20,000 people have registered for assistance.

Points of distribution for commodities have been established in each impacted county. These locations also offer free public Wi-Fi. Key distribution points include Biltmore Baptist Church in Buncombe County, Grace Community Church in McDowell County, and First Baptist Church in Watauga County.

Approximately 370,000 customers remain without power across the region. This is down from a peak of more than one million outages.

To report missing persons or request non-emergency support within the area call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state.

Twenty-five shelters housing over 1,100 people have been opened with plans for additional shelters as needed.

Search teams have rescued more than 440 people while evacuating nearly 4,700 others. The NC National Guard has rescued over 400 individuals along with more than 110 pets.

Travel remains hazardous with around 400 roads closed. NCDOT urges residents to avoid unnecessary travel to keep roads clear for first responders.

Cellphone providers are working on restoring services disrupted by the storm through temporary cell towers among other solutions. Residents are advised to periodically restart their phones to reconnect when networks become available.

Forty-two storm-related deaths have been confirmed by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner; these numbers may rise over the coming days.

Governor Cooper has activated over 700 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen for search operations and supply deliveries utilizing various vehicles and aircraft.

Due to dangerous road conditions travel into Western North Carolina is discouraged; donations can be made online at nc.gov/donate or volunteer opportunities found at nc.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities/volunteernc.

For home damage cleanup assistance contact Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386.

President Biden approved an expedited Major Disaster Declaration covering multiple counties enabling access to FEMA’s Individual Assistance program among other supports.

Residents can apply for aid by calling FEMA or visiting their website or app.

Those needing emotional support can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit 988Lifeline.org for more information.

For media inquiries email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

General information is available at ncdps.gov/helene or via email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.