South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper visited Yancey and Mitchell counties to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Accompanied by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, NCDPS Secretary Eddie Buffaloe, and Colonel Freddie Johnson of the State Highway Patrol, Cooper observed relief operations and met with affected residents. In Pensacola, he visited a supply distribution center at the local volunteer fire department. In Bakersville, he toured damaged areas with Mayor Charles Vines.

“Today I was on the ground in Pensacola, Yancey County and Bakersville, Mitchell County, talking with folks affected by Helene and seeing how hard people are working to rebuild from this storm,” said Governor Cooper. “The people of Western North Carolina are strong, and we will keep working with them to surge resources and to recover and rebuild their communities.”

President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for several North Carolina counties for Individual Assistance and debris removal under the Public Assistance program. The declaration now includes Cabarrus, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Iredell, Lee, Nash, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union, Yadkin for Individual Assistance; Swain County is also included for permanent work.

Cooper issued an emergency Executive Order increasing weekly unemployment benefits from $350 to $600 in response to Helene's impact. This increase aims to support low-income workers during recovery efforts.

Law enforcement agencies are addressing safety concerns amid reports of threats and misinformation. FEMA continues its operations in affected areas with approximately 1,400 staff assisting disaster survivors.

Nearly 3,400 Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Task Force-North Carolina are involved in relief efforts alongside units from other states. They operate aviation assets and specialized vehicles while assessing water infrastructure.

FEMA has disbursed over $102 million in Individual Assistance funds to Western North Carolina survivors. Approximately 181,000 people have registered for assistance. Residents can apply via phone or online platforms.

Over 1,500 responders from various agencies have supported recovery missions through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Public health nurses and search teams are among those deployed.

Efforts continue to provide essentials like food and water through distribution points across Western North Carolina. Residents can access information about these sites via local government channels or ncdps.gov/Helene.

Power outages persist with around 11,000 customers without electricity as repairs continue. Road closures remain due to damage but some areas welcome visitors crucial for economic revival.

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed 95 storm-related deaths in North Carolina; numbers may rise as assessments proceed.

For donations or volunteer opportunities supporting disaster relief efforts visit nc.gov/donate or nc.gov/volunteernc respectively.

Assistance is available through the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or by contacting 988Lifeline.org for mental health support following trauma from Hurricane Helene.