ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The office of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper gave an update Monday afternoon on the level of devastation in western North Carolina in the wake of Helene.
According to the office, there have been 34 deaths confirmed in North Carolina as a result of Helene. Dozens more across the state have been reported missing.
The death toll is expected to climb in the coming days as crews continue to assess areas impacted by the storm. There have been significant reports of storm-related deaths, and the NC Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm the numbers.
“Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented devastation across Western North Carolina and we are leading an unprecedented response to surge food, water and needed supplies into these communities,” Cooper said in a statement. “This will be a long and difficult recovery and we must use every state, local and federal resource at our disposal to save lives, restore communications, and begin critical repairs to roads and infrastructure.”
The Governor's Office search and rescue teams have rescured more than 500 people so far, and 422 of those were rescued by the North Carolina National Guard. Of those rescued, there were 42 critically injured, four infants and 64 animals.
According to a release, the North Carolina National Guard has also delivered 306 pallets of water and 230 pallets of food to effected areas since Friday.
Cooper traveled to Asheville on Monday to speak to media members and get a closer look at the devastation in the area.
Looking for a way to help people in western North Carolina? WFMY News 2 has compiled a list of reputable organizations who are already delivering aid to the region. You can find that here.
If you would like to donate online, you can use the following link: WFMY News 2 is supporting the American Red Cross.
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