South Raleigh News

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 I visited Canton, Waynesville and Cashiers along with the Emergency Operations Centers in Jackson and Haywood Counties, speaking with people impacted by this storm about our continuing support and current needs in their communities," stated Governor Cooper. He emphasized the resilience of Western North Carolina's residents, saying they have shown "remarkable strength and courage."

In Haywood County, Governor Cooper was accompanied by Mayor Zeb Smathers during a visit to damaged areas in Canton. In Jackson County, he thanked first responders at the Cashiers Fire Department and Jackson County Emergency Operations Center for their dedication.

The North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) is addressing misinformation on social media regarding Hurricane Helene through a newly launched fact versus rumor webpage. Additionally, Swain and Mecklenburg counties have been added to North Carolina’s Major Disaster Declaration at Governor Cooper's request.

President Biden has approved 100% FEMA reimbursement for six months. Active-duty military personnel are being deployed alongside over 1,200 National Guard members engaged in search and rescue missions. Executive Order 316 has been issued by Governor Cooper to allow dyed diesel fuel use for highway purposes during recovery efforts.

Efforts include providing food, water, and basic necessities via ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. More than 70,000 individuals have registered for FEMA assistance. Points of distribution have been established across affected counties.

Power outages persist across the region with approximately 148,000 customers still without electricity after restoration efforts returned power to over 800,000 users.

Search operations continue as road closures affect travel; approximately 600 roads remain closed due to damage from the storm. The NCDOT urges against unnecessary travel while working on restoring critical routes.

Governor Cooper confirmed that sixty-five fatalities related to the storm have been recorded so far. Resources such as shelters remain available for those displaced by Hurricane Helene's impact.