RALEIGH, N.C. — Governor Roy Cooper and government officials shared an update on the impacts of Hurricane Helene in western NC on Tuesday morning.
Cooper said federal, state, and local partners and volunteers have made significant progress in providing water, and cell service, opening roads, distributing critical supplies, and supporting those who need it.
Power outages are now a little under 13,000, down from 1 million, closed roads are now at 580 down from about 1200, and water systems and wells are now operational, however, challenges remain trying to get water working in Asheville and some other communities.
FEMA Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved 77,000 people for individual assistance with more than $99 million already paid out. The agency is also paying for temporary stays for more than 19,000 people in hotels. Cooper says they are working on more temporary housing.
North Carolina's National Guard was in western NC before, during, and after the storm.
"Thanks to this strong operation, significant progress has been made in search and rescue, getting supplies where they are needed and transportation assistance," Cooper said.
Cooper mentioned that there is still a persistent and dangerous flow of misinformation about FEMA's recovery efforts in western NC that can lead to threats and intimidation, confusion, and demoralize storm survivors and response workers.
"If you're participating in spreading this stuff, stop it," Cooper said. "Whatever your aim is, the people you're really hurting are those in western NC who need help."
Cooper said he has directed the Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) to coordinate law enforcement assistance for FEMA and other responders who need it to help ensure their safety and security so people can continue getting the help they desperately need.
North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm.
FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.
Road closures and conditions
Some roads remain closed due to significant damage and they're too dangerous to travel. Some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors, which is critical for the revival of western NC's economy.
The Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has posted an interstate detour map for those traveling in the region. North Carolinians can visit DriveNC.gov for the latest roadway conditions. NCDOT currently has approximately 2,100 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment working on approximately 6,700 damaged road sites.
For more information and to donate, you can visit nc.gov/donate.
Fatalities
According to the governor's office website, 95 storm-related deaths have been confirmed in NC by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. Numbers will be confirmed by the medical examiner's office twice daily.
If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.m
Storm damage cleanup
If your home has been damages and you need assistance with clean up, call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.
Additional Assistance
There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impated by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text, or chat to 988.
If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.
For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.
If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.
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