SW Virginia is cleaning up after Helene devastation

At least two people are dead and more than 100 homes and businesses destroyed in Southwest Virginia after the remnants of Hurricane Helene slammed the southeast last week.

The big picture: While states south of Virginia took the brunt of the Helene's force, the portions of the Commonwealth along the North Carolina and Tennessee borders also saw widespread devastation.

• Gov. Youngkin toured the region over the weekend to assess the damage. The Biden administration immediately approved Youngkin's emergency request for federal assistance for seven localities: the City of Galax plus Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties.
• Youngkin said he expects federal resources for more Virginia counties will be added in the coming days.

Zoom in: One person in Tazewell County was killed by a large tree while cleaning debris and a woman in Craig County died after being struck by a barn, Cardinal News reported .

• Around 200,000 people were without power Saturday morning at the height of outages. Some won't see it restored until late Tuesday night.
• Wind speeds reached 40 mph for six-to-eight-hour stretches, in some places gusting at 60 mph, downing thousands of trees.
• Across the region, first responders conducted more than than 70 rescues, including water rescues of 16 people, two dogs and a seven cats, per Youngkin's office .
• Virginia State Police also helped with helicopter rescues of around 50 people stranded on the roof of a hospital in Eastern Tennessee.

What they're saying: "There's a lot of work ahead, but together, I know Southwest Virginia will rebuild stronger than ever," Youngkin said in a statement.

What's next: FEMA will be in the region Tuesday to assess damage and accept requests for assistance from additional counties stretching as far west as Radford and Bedford, per Cardinal News .

• If you need assistance, contact your local emergency management office .
• How to help: The United Way of Southwest Virginia started a fund to assist affected counties.