RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) — Western North Carolina is working to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper spoke at a briefing Wednesday to share updates on road closures, power outages and more caused by the storm. He was joined by FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan, Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard Major General Todd Hunt, North Carolina Director of Emergency Management Will Ray, NC Department of Transporation Secretary Joey Hopkins, NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley and NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Mary Penny Kelley.
Photos: Rescue dog zip lines across river in western North Carolina during Helene relief effort “The devastation that I’ve witnessed is hard to describe,” Cooper said during the news conference. “Homes and businesses flooded and destroyed. Roads and bridges completely washed away.”
Kinsley reports that there have been 88 confirmed storm-related deaths in North Carolina. There are six fatality teams systematically going through the region to identify and process remains, and that total will continue to be updated on a daily basis.
About 2,500 people have been able to stay in hotels thanks to FEMA, 17 shelters have been opened, and FEMA is working on more housing.
Of the 29 school districts affected by Helene, 18 are back open, and Cooper emphasized that he has been in touch with local officials to support reopening the remaining schools.
“This is a historic disaster, the magnitude of which we have never experienced before in our state,” Ray said. “The road to recovery will be long, but North Carolinians are strong and resiliant, and together we will recover from this disaster.”
As of Wednesday, the North Carolina National Guard reports that 5,000 tons of commodities have been delivered. Close to 100,000 pounds of water was delivered to the area on the first day alone.
FEMA has approved nearly 126,000 people for individual assistance with more than $60 million paid.
Since hitting a peak of about 1 million power outages, those numbers have dropped to 81,000, according to the governor. And AT&T and Verizon have reported that 80% of service outages have been repaired.
While more than 460 roads have been reopened, there are still about 600 closed including 98 primary roads. 500 bridges and 600 culverts were identified among 5,800 damage sites. At least 100 bridges will require full replacement.
The state has awarded a contract to Wright Brothers Construction to stabilize the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Pigeon River Gorge, including incentives to have the project finished by early 2025.
He also acknowledged the spread of misinformation surrounding Helene and recovery efforts.
“With this enormous effort underway, it’s important to point out the onslaught of lies and misinformation that are impacting the people there on the ground,” he said. “This misinformation is confusing to people trying to get help. It’s demoralizing and dangerous for people working so hard to deliver that help.
“I strongly urge people to verify with respected news sources the information and videos sent to you.”
How you can help
The Salvation Army is collecting donations to provide “emergency aid, food, drinks, emotional and spiritual care, and long-term recovery services to survivors and rescue workers” in western North Carolina.
You can donate using the blue button below. 100% of your donation will go towards Hurricane Helene relief.
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