Over 1,000 missing persons located & safe, officials say

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) – The Rutherford County Emergency Operations Center announced Friday morning that all 1,107 individuals initially reported as missing due to Hurricane Helene has been located and confirmed safe.

Officials reported there are no remaining unaccounted-for persons in Rutherford County.

Emergency personnel from the Missing Persons Sub Section of the Operations Center, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and FBI have worked over the past 14 days in reference to the numerous missing person reports.

The emergency management team mentioned that the agency is grateful for the lives saved but also grieves the loss of three community members during Helene.

County officials previously reported that one life was tragically lost due to flooding in the Lake Lure area, while two others were claimed by fallen trees elsewhere in the county.

Officials said if anyone still has a missing person to report, please call (828) 286-2911 .

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