The ongoing search and rescue efforts, initially hindered by rough terrain and communication challenges, have received a boost from 1,700 North Carolina National Guard personnel and 1,000 active-duty military personnel who are now actively involved in the operations. Gov. Roy Cooper stressed the importance of these resources, emphasizing that improved communications and added manpower are helping to reunite families and deliver critical supplies.
Expanded Military Support Speeds Up Operations
At Governor Cooper's request, 1,000 soldiers from Fort Liberty and Fort Campbell have been mobilized to aid in search efforts and coordinate air traffic for safe relief missions. These military teams are collaborating with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to clear roads and distribute essential commodities like food and water to affected communities. An additional 500 active-duty soldiers are expected to join the ongoing recovery operations.
Communication Systems Improve, Satellite and Fiber Technology Deployed
Communication capabilities in the region have significantly improved, with 80% of cell service restored as of Sunday. Efforts to re-establish full communication infrastructure include the installation of fiber optic cables by FEMA and the deployment of 30 Starlink satellite systems. These technological advances will further support search and rescue operations and help residents reconnect with critical services.
FEMA Assistance and Military Aid Surges into Western North Carolina
More than $30.2 million in FEMA Individual Assistance has been disbursed to survivors in the region, with nearly 1,700 people currently housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Over 700 FEMA personnel are actively involved in the relief effort, conducting search and rescue missions, distributing supplies, and meeting directly with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods.
FEMA and military resources continue to flow into the region, with more than 6.1 million liters of water and 4.1 million meals already delivered. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting vital assessments of water and wastewater plants, as well as dam structures, to ensure the safety and recovery of the region's infrastructure.
Coordinated Relief and Donations
Rescue operations have been bolstered by 1,600 responders from 35 states, arriving through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Volunteers and organizations, including public health nurses, search dogs, and veterinary teams, are also contributing to the recovery.
For those looking to support recovery efforts, Governor Cooper has encouraged donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, accessible at nc.gov/donate. Due to the hazardous road conditions, officials strongly discourage travel to the affected areas, urging the public to support remotely through donations or by volunteering.
Fatalities and Power Outages Persist as Recovery Continues
As of Sunday, the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed 77 storm-related deaths. Officials expect the number to rise as recovery operations continue. Meanwhile, approximately 142,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of over a million, as crews work around the clock to restore service.
Road conditions remain treacherous, with more than 650 roads closed, including over 100 primary routes. The NCDOT has deployed more than 2,050 employees and over 1,100 pieces of equipment to repair more than 3,200 damaged roadways, but travel in the region is still restricted to emergency personnel and local residents.
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