Governor Youngkin gives update in aftermath of Hurricane Helene

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Governor Glenn Youngkin informed the public Monday morning about emergency response efforts throughout the Commonwealth in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

In a meeting at Virginia Department of Emergency Management headquarters that was livestreamed the morning on Monday, Sept. 30, Youngkin thanked responders, addressed the current conditions throughout Virginia and explained what can be expected moving forward.

He explained that over the weekend, responders were able to rescue dozens of people in need.

“We had over 70 life-saving rescues all over and we had resources deployed,” Youngkin said.

He emphasized that one of the lasting issues in the aftermath of the storm is disruptions in communication due to power outages throughout the state.

“People are still struggling with power outages, as you all know, and we got a lot of folks making sure we got the power back on, and with that comes cell phones. And boy, the lack of communication’s just hard,” Youngkin said.

Youngkin said that in Virginia, there have been two confirmed deaths due to Hurricane Helene. He also explained that there are some reports of people who are isolated — he said assistance was currently headed to those areas.

In addition, Youngkin shared accounts of responders from Virginia assisting in rescues throughout other states .

In terms of what comes next, Youngkin said the Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to assist, since President Biden approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Virginia on Sunday, Sept. 29.

Youngkin said that about 13 more counties and five more cities will be added to the first declaration of a state of emergency.

He said that anyone who needs assistance and is able to make a call should contact 211 for help.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.