South Raleigh News

Today, Governor Cooper visited Transylvania and Henderson counties to evaluate the impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina. During his visit, he met with local officials and business owners in Transylvania County before visiting a major employer affected by the storm. In Henderson County, he expressed gratitude to National Guard soldiers at a supplies warehouse and toured Fletcher to assess damage.

"Today, I was in Transylvania and Henderson counties where I spoke with residents, local officials and small business owners, heard their needs and offered our continuing help," said Governor Cooper. "The devastation caused by this storm has deeply impacted these communities, but I have seen firsthand people’s resilience and spirit as we work together to help one another."

More than 3,500 Soldiers and Airmen from 12 states are part of Joint Task Force-North Carolina. This task force includes units from Ft. Liberty's XVIII Airborne Corps, Ft. Campbell's 101st Airborne Division, and several civilian entities working collaboratively in relief efforts.

The National Guard operates 26 aviation assets and over 1,200 specialized vehicles for these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is assessing water infrastructure while residents can track public water supply status online.

FEMA has provided more than $77 million in Individual Assistance funds to Western NC disaster survivors with over 152,000 registrations for aid. Approximately 1,300 households are housed through FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.

A Major Disaster Declaration now covers 27 counties plus the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Residents can apply for assistance via phone or online platforms.

More than 1,400 responders from various agencies support recovery efforts under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Public health nurses, emergency teams, veterinarians with search dogs are among those assisting.

NC Emergency Management warns against misinformation about Helene shared on social media; fact-checking resources are available online.

Efforts continue to provide food and necessities using ground resources and air drops by the NC National Guard—20k hot meals daily served by mobile kitchens at distribution points throughout western North Carolina.

Sixteen shelters remain open supporting over 650 people while power outages affect approximately 35k customers—a reduction from over one million initially without power due primarily due temporary shutdowns during repairs aimed at restoring service incrementally across affected areas

Travel conditions remain hazardous due mainly hundreds road closures including primary routes connecting region prompting NCDOT discourage unnecessary travel until further notice while they deploy manpower equipment address damage sites

Confirmed fatalities stand ninety-three reported Office Chief Medical Examiner anticipate rise coming days urging public report emergencies dialling appropriate numbers seek non-emergency support channels

Volunteers donations encouraged rather direct travel maintaining open emergency operation routes prioritised local nonprofit organisations assisting ground efforts monetary contributions made Disaster Relief Fund volunteer opportunities found respective state websites

Support available trauma response hurricane calling text messaging designated helplines accessing mental health services multiple languages Additionally Joint Information Center representatives contactable specific inquiries related storm impact general resource information recovery aid accessible official state portals emails designated addresses ###