South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Western North Carolina to assess storm damage and discuss recovery efforts with federal officials. The visit included stops in Asheville and Canton, as well as a damaged section of I-40.

“Today I spent time on the ground in Asheville, Canton and at a damaged portion of I-40, helping federal, state and local recovery efforts to open up roadways and help communities recover,” Governor Cooper stated. He expressed gratitude for the support from Secretary Buttigieg and the Biden-Harris Administration.

In Asheville, they received a briefing on storm recovery from federal officials and discussed damage in the River Arts District with Mayor Esther Manheimer. In Canton, they toured damaged areas with Mayor Zeb Smathers. The group also reviewed efforts to reopen I-40 near the North Carolina-Tennessee border.

Governor Cooper recently issued an emergency Executive Order to increase unemployment benefits for those affected by Hurricane Helene. The order raises weekly payments from $350 to $600 for eligible workers.

The North Carolina National Guard is actively involved in recovery operations, deploying over 3,500 soldiers and airmen alongside units from other states. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is assessing water infrastructure.

FEMA has distributed nearly $107 million in assistance funds to disaster survivors in Western North Carolina. Approximately 1,400 FEMA staff are present in the state to aid relief efforts.

More than 1,600 responders from various agencies have participated in missions through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Public health nurses, emergency management teams, veterinarians, and search dog teams are among those assisting.

Residents are warned about misinformation regarding Hurricane Helene on social media. North Carolina Emergency Management has launched a webpage to address rumors.

Efforts continue to restore power; around 9,500 customers remain without electricity out of an initial one million affected. Some roads remain closed due to damage or essential traffic needs.

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed 95 storm-related deaths in North Carolina. This number may rise as assessments continue.

Donations can be made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund via nc.gov/donate. For volunteer opportunities or additional assistance resources, residents can visit nc.gov/volunteernc or contact relevant hotlines provided by state authorities.