North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper revealed the shocking news on Tuesday that 92 individuals were still unaccounted for in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, as the death toll from the storm climbed to 95. The devastating impact of the storm was felt across 21 counties, with the majority of fatalities reported in Buncombe, Yancey, and Henderson.
During a briefing, Governor Cooper emphasized the efforts of the Department of Public Safety in forming a task force to locate those still missing. He acknowledged the tireless work of law enforcement and other partners in the ongoing search for the unaccounted individuals. Cooper noted that the number of missing persons is expected to fluctuate as more reports come in and as individuals are located.
Hurricane Helene brought historic levels of rain and destruction to Western North Carolina, resulting in catastrophic flooding and damage to the region. Despite the immense challenges posed by the disaster, the people of North Carolina have demonstrated resilience and unity in coming together to support one another and begin the long road to recovery.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the tragic fatalities through the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Search and rescue efforts have been extensive, with grid searches, vehicle searches, and damaged structure searches taking place in the affected areas. Hundreds of responders have been deployed to conduct these critical operations.
Local authorities have been utilizing various channels, including 911 reports, the NC 211 call center, and social media, to locate individuals reported missing or in need of welfare checks. Many instances of missing persons have been resolved as communication systems were restored and families were able to reconnect.
Governor Cooper has taken swift action by signing the state’s first relief package to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The relief package allocates $273 million for immediate needs and provides flexibility to agencies and displaced residents. The funding will also support state and local disaster assistance programs and ensure essential services like public-school nutrition are maintained.
The recovery process in Western North Carolina will be a challenging journey, but with the continued support of government agencies, first responders, and the community, the region is poised to rebuild and recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene. The spirit of resilience and solidarity displayed by North Carolinians in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the strength and determination of the people in overcoming the crisis.
