As recovery from Hurricane Helene progresses, Governor Roy Cooper issues an executive order to bolster healthcare workforce capacity, while federal and state relief efforts intensify.
Coordinated Response Brings Relief to Affected Areas
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also been actively assessing the condition of vital infrastructure, including water and wastewater treatment plants and dams. So far, $27 million in FEMA Individual Assistance has been allocated to survivors in the region, with more than 83,000 individuals having registered for aid.
FEMA and National Guard Drive Relief Efforts
More than 755 FEMA personnel are on the ground, supporting search and rescue operations and providing direct assistance to those in need. Temporary shelters have been established, housing nearly 1,400 people through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, while food and water distribution points have been set up across the region to ensure residents have access to basic necessities. To date, over 97,000 hot meals have been served, with another 25,000 expected in the coming days.
In addition to FEMA, more than 1,100 responders from 34 states have joined the effort through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), bringing public health nurses, emergency management teams, and even search dogs to the region.
Healthcare and Infrastructure Bolstered Amid Recovery
Governor Cooper’s newly issued executive order aims to expand healthcare capacity by allowing out-of-state professionals, recent retirees, and others with essential skills to join the recovery efforts. This order also grants the State Health Director the authority to issue standing orders for emergency medications and waives fees for replacement of vital records for those affected by the storm.
Power restoration efforts have also made significant progress, with nearly 800,000 customers having their electricity restored, down from a peak of over one million outages. However, approximately 173,000 customers remain without power. Communication infrastructure is also being addressed, with cellphone providers working to restore service by deploying temporary towers in affected areas.
Search and Rescue Operations Ongoing, 68 Fatalities Confirmed
Search and rescue teams, comprising more than 1,600 personnel from 53 teams, continue to operate across Western North Carolina. So far, they have interacted with more than 5,400 residents through a combination of rescues, evacuations, and assists. Sadly, 68 storm-related deaths have been confirmed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, with authorities expecting this number to rise as recovery operations continue.
Road closures remain a major challenge, with more than 650 roads still impassable due to storm damage. Authorities urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel as crews work to restore vital routes, keeping roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Misinformation and the Need for Caution
Both state and local officials are warning residents about misinformation related to the recovery effort. In response, North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) has launched a fact vs. rumor webpage to combat false reports circulating on social media. FEMA has also established a similar resource to ensure residents have accurate information about available aid and recovery progress.
As the situation evolves, Governor Cooper stressed the importance of verifying information through official channels and encouraged people to seek accurate updates from state websites and emergency management offices.
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