South Raleigh News

As Western North Carolina continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, Governor Cooper is urging residents affected by the storm to apply for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) before the deadline on Thursday. The program offers eligible households assistance in purchasing food.

“We know many North Carolinians were affected by Helene and D-SNAP is one of the many ways we are taking action to get help to those who need it,” stated Governor Cooper. “I encourage all those eligible to apply by Thursday's deadline. We will continue to support communities and families every step of the way as they recover.”

The application process for D-SNAP remains open until October 24, 2024, with options available both online and in person. Detailed information about application sites can be found at ncdhhs.gov/dsnap.

Efforts from various organizations are ongoing in Western North Carolina. Over 3,000 Soldiers and Airmen are actively involved under Joint Task Force-North Carolina, which includes personnel from multiple states and military units alongside civilian entities.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating water infrastructure, while FEMA has distributed approximately $133 million in Individual Assistance funds to survivors in the region. More than 210,000 individuals have registered for assistance through FEMA programs.

FEMA staff, totaling around 1,500 members, are stationed throughout the state providing aid directly to disaster survivors. Residents can apply for assistance via phone or online platforms provided by FEMA.

Additional support comes from over 1,600 responders across 39 agencies working through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), contributing a range of services including public health support and search operations.

Authorities warn against misinformation related to Hurricane Helene on social media. To counter false reports, NC Emergency Management has launched a fact-checking webpage alongside FEMA’s rumor response page.

Food distribution points remain operational across affected areas thanks to efforts by local authorities and National Guard resources. For specific locations or further assistance details, residents are encouraged to consult local government websites or social media channels.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has resulted in significant power outages affecting around 5,200 customers currently without electricity—down from over a million initially impacted. Road closures persist due to damage; however, some routes have reopened crucially aiding economic recovery efforts.

Ninety-six fatalities linked to the storm have been confirmed with numbers expected to rise as assessments continue by medical examiners twice daily.

For those looking to contribute towards relief efforts or seeking volunteer opportunities, resources are available at nc.gov/donate and nc.gov/volunteernc respectively.

Support services remain accessible for those dealing with trauma post-storm via helplines such as the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or through contact options provided at 988Lifeline.org.