YANCEY COUNTY, N.C. — The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office announced this weekend that it has recovered nine bodies since Hurricane Helene rolled through.
Recovery efforts continue as the sheriff’s office believes five people are still missing.
Deputies said at least five employees have lost their homes and are still working.
“These men and women have the heart of a servant. Despite losing everything, they’ve been working 18-hour shifts, doing what they do best—serving and protecting this community,” the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office said
Rumors were addressed as well by the sheriff’s office. Security crews have been seen across Yancey County. The sheriff’s office said this is in order to provide security for search crews on the ground, not to enforce laws or take over local operations.
Yancey County officials said the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is up and running on their own power, but do not have running water due to county wide infrastructure damage.
The hospital is receiving water via tanker trucks, but due to this, the HCA Administration made the decision that the hospital will only function as a stand-alone emergency room and no longer admit patients.
Patients currently in the hospital will be scheduled for discharge or transferred to an appropriate facility.
In Barnardsville, the Big Ivy Community Center has opened its doors to help people.
Hot showers, food, and cell service are all available at the center.
There are still some things needed in order to continue to provide support for the community.
The Community Center is in need of propane, heaters (little buddy heaters), tents, Coleman stove, generators, and fuel. Volunteers are needed as well.
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