North Carolina Devastated as Hurricane Helene Death Toll in Southern States Surpasses 100

As the death toll from Hurricane Helene continues to rise across the Southern states including North Carolina , first aid and assistance to those affected are rolling in from across the country amid the death toll due to Helene climbing to over 115.

North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit states, has taken significant steps to mitigate the crisis.

On Sunday morning, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) activated over 500 soldiers, airmen, and more than 200 vehicles and aircraft.

This includes hoist and emergency aviation assets, as well as high-water response vehicles.

The NCNG completed 16 air missions, leading to the rescue of 119 citizens and 11 pets across affected areas.

“Our National Guard air assets have identified people on the ground, and utilized social media and emergency calls to locate, identify, and evacuate citizens in Western North Carolina,” the NCNG said in an update on X.

The largest mission involved the rescue of 41 people north of Asheville in Buncombe County.

Supplies Pour Into Western North Carolina

Along with search and rescue operations, the NCNG moved over 34,000 pounds of food, water, and medical supplies in the past 48 hours to distribute to those in need.

Personnel and air assets from Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, Iowa, Florida, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania have been deployed to assist with these efforts.

Dam Alert Raised and Cleared

On Sunday evening, the Black Mountain Police Department issued an alert regarding the Bee Tree Dam, initially suggesting the dam was close to failure.

An evacuation notice was briefly enforced, but half an hour later, the all-clear was given.

“WE JUST received information from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office the BEE TREE dam has been checked again, and it is safe. Please keep checking in for updates,” the department stated in a Facebook post.

The Asheville Fire Department further confirmed that the dam was secure, with the spillway functioning as designed.

North Carolina Governor Cooper Commends First Responders

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper gave an update during a morning press briefing, thanking all involved in the response.

“North Carolina is strong, and our first responders are the best in the nation. I am thankful for their hard work and for risking their lives to protect all North Carolinians,” he wrote on X.

Governor Cooper emphasized that the state is facing an unprecedented disaster, calling for unity and continued vigilance as the situation develops.

Trump Offers Prayers, Biden Declares Emergency

Former President Donald Trump also acknowledged the devastation during a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering prayers for those affected.

“Before we begin, I’d like to send my love and prayers to the families of those who have died, a lot of death, and all of those who are displaced and suffering in the wake of the hurricane’s destruction,” he said.

Trump specifically mentioned Western North Carolina, noting the region took a “tremendous hit.”

In response to the ongoing disaster, President Biden issued an emergency declaration for several states, including North Carolina.

This declaration grants federal aid and resources to bolster recovery efforts across the region.

Health Crisis Declared Amid Rising Casualties

As of Sunday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declared a public health emergency for North Carolina, highlighting the urgent health impacts of the hurricane.

“We will do all we can to help North Carolina officials respond to the health impacts of Hurricane Helene,” Becerra stated.

Public health emergency declarations allow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ providers greater flexibility in meeting the emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell also emphasized that federal teams are being deployed to assist North Carolina and other impacted states, ensuring comprehensive support as the storm’s aftermath unfolds.

Death Toll Expected to Rise

Governor Cooper noted that the death toll of 11 is expected to increase as search teams continue to access isolated areas.

He urged residents to stay off the roads in Western North Carolina to allow emergency vehicles to navigate freely and deliver aid.

The situation remains dire in North Carolina as recovery efforts continue and the state braces for additional loss of life.

With the full extent of the storm’s devastation still unfolding, the combined efforts of state and federal agencies will be critical in the coming days.

Also Read: Clean-up Begins After Devastating Hurricane Helene Leaves 63 Dead, Millions Without Power