North Carolina officers search for survivors amid Helene destruction

GASTONIA, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — A group of 15 officers from Gastonia and Belmont are helping search for missing people in the wake of Helene.

They are part of search and rescue efforts in rural areas like Buncombe, Swannanoa, Black Mountain and Asheville. As of Thursday, officers have reached 92 homes and verified that more than 200 people are safe, Gastonia Police said.

Images from Gastonia Police of the devastation in Asheville

Officers say they made it to 92 homes and confirmed the safety of 200 people while distributing water, food, and other needed supplies.

The group is also handing out water, food and other supplies. The records division has made calls to over 200 people to help the team in western North Carolina.

The Gastonia Police Department is also accepting donations to help families in the western part of the state. People can drop off diapers, water and baby wipes to be distributed by those officers in western North Carolina.

The donated items will be delivered to western North Carolina around midday Friday.

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