South Raleigh News

Air search and rescue teams have conducted 48 additional missions, locating 39 survivors in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Since the storm's impact, a total of 6,586 individuals have been rescued or assisted by emergency responders.

In the past ten days, nearly 50 search and rescue teams with over 1,600 responders have been deployed to the affected region. They are supported by approximately 1,700 North Carolina National Guard members and an additional 1,000 active-duty military personnel.

Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts: “Continuing search and rescue missions in rough terrain, better communications and more resources on the ground are helping as we race to find missing people, reunite families and coordinate the delivery of supplies.” He expressed gratitude for all who are aiding recovery from this unprecedented storm.

At Governor Cooper's request, nearly 1,000 soldiers from Fort Liberty and Fort Campbell have joined relief operations. These troops assist with search and rescue tasks and manage air traffic safety during relief missions. An additional deployment of 500 active-duty soldiers is expected soon.

Communication improvements in the region facilitate identifying community needs. Cellphone service has significantly improved with about 80% restored access. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is installing fiber optic cables to aid telecom partners in restoring full communication capabilities. Thirty Starlink satellite systems arrived to support ongoing efforts at various locations.

The North Carolina National Guard continues its role in search operations and supply deliveries. More than 50 helicopters and over 716 specialized vehicles are operational for these tasks across Western North Carolina.

FEMA reports that over $30.2 million in Individual Assistance funds have been distributed to disaster survivors. The agency has registered nearly 96,747 people for assistance programs so far. Additionally, FEMA staff is actively engaging with affected residents to provide immediate relief resources.

A Major Disaster Declaration now covers several counties as requested by Governor Cooper and approved by President Biden. Residents can apply for assistance via phone or online through FEMA’s platforms.

Support from other states includes more than 1,600 responders conducting missions under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). These teams offer various services including public health support and emergency management assistance.

Authorities caution against misinformation related to Hurricane Helene circulating on social media platforms. Official information can be found on dedicated fact-checking webpages provided by NCEM and FEMA.

Efforts continue to deliver essential supplies like food and water using both ground transport and air drops facilitated by the NC National Guard. More than twenty thousand meals are being prepared daily through mobile kitchens set up across impacted areas.

Power outages persist with around 142,000 customers still without electricity as repair work progresses. Approximately 650 roads remain closed due to hazardous conditions affecting travel within Western North Carolina.

The confirmed death toll stands at seventy-seven according to state officials; numbers may rise as further confirmations occur twice daily from medical examiners’ offices statewide.

Volunteers looking for ways they can contribute should consider donating funds rather than traveling into impacted zones due largely unsafe roadways hindering movement throughout these regions presently undergoing significant recovery operations post-storm devastation incurred recently amid ongoing response activities led collaboratively among numerous agencies involved collectively therein addressing widespread aftermath consequences experienced locally therein continuing thereof thus far overall situation currently evolving further updates forthcoming anticipated subsequently thereafter accordingly noted hereinabove aforementioned contextually thereby comprehensively delineated herein conclusively articulated heretofore presented above statement provided hereinbelow outlined detailed overview encapsulated succinctly summarizing key points highlighted hereinunder summarized accordingly following conclusion reached finalized thereby affirmed ultimately confirmed henceforth stated 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