40 confirmed deaths in Buncombe Co. due to Helene

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) – Officials in Buncombe County confirmed 40 people have now died there as a result of Helene.

Sheriff Quentin Miller was not able to give any details on the circumstances surrounding the deaths nor where the deaths occurred in the county in a briefing Monday morning.

Miller also said there have been a few cases of looting in Buncombe County. More than 100 deputies are deployed around the county to address looting and anything else that may arise, including confrontations at gas lines.

The sheriff also said that the Buncombe County Detention Center is up and running with power and portable toilets.

Four water distribution centers have been set up. Residents will be provided with a one-day supply of water per person per household.

• William W. Estes Elementary School – 275 Overlook Road, Asheville
• Sand Hill Elementary – 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville (Please enter via Acton Circle)
• North Windy Ridge Intermediate School – 20 Doan Road, Weaverville
• Fairview Elementary School – 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview

Three tractor trailers of water arrived in the county with more water arriving from a private contractor Monday night, officials said.

The shelter at the WNC Ag Center has reached capacity and a second shelter at the AB Tech Conference Center is nearing capacity. A third shelter is in the process of being opened.

Officials said Interstate 26 is fully open in the county but there’s no update yet on Interstate 40.

A family assistance center has been set up at the Register of Deeds office on College Street.

The county has received 11,000 requests of people trying to get in touch with loved ones. The Register of Deeds office has created a list of people for wellness checks.

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