Thirty people have been confirmed dead after Tropical Storm Helene ripped through Buncombe County, North Carolina, Sheriff Quentin Miller said early Sunday evening.
“We’re still conducting search operations, and we know that those also may include recovery operations,” he said at a news conference.
The county remains under a state of emergency, with officials saying they are working hard to help those impacted by Helene, which hit Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane before moving up through Georgia and the Carolinas as a tropical storm.
Officials said at Sunday evening’s news conference that there are ongoing rescue efforts in affected areas such as Fairview, Black Mountain, Swannanoa and Barnardsville.
Trees fall on houses and roads after Hurricane Helene hits the southeast as bands of the tropical storm passed through the Carolinas, causing power outages, school closing and downed trees in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States on September 27, 2024 (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Anadolu via Getty Images
Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said emergency services were aware of the needs of the community.
“We hear you. We need food, and we need water,” Buncombe County manager Avril Pinder said. “My staff has been making every request possible to the state for support, and we’ve been working with every single organization that has reached out. My promise to you is that we are very close, and you’ll have more information before the end of the day.”
Bill Norton from Duke Energy addressed power restoration efforts, emphasizing the impact of infrastructure damage from the storm.
“The mountain zone of North Carolina is really inaccessible in many areas due to mudslides and flooding,” he said. “We’re using helicopters and drones to assess damage, but this is going to be a multi-day effort.”
Buncombe County is facing additional severe challenges, including the threat of landslides, authorities said.
Earlier in the day, Pinder said the county launched a web-based form to help families connect with missing loved ones, available at www.buncombeready.org.
“We’ve already received over 1,000 reports,” Pender added, encouraging anyone who has found their family members to call the county at 828-820-2761 to update the records.
Hurricane Helene recently made landfall in Buncombe County, North Carolina, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The sheriff’s office has reported a death toll of 30 individuals as a result of the storm, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the area in recent memory.
The storm brought heavy rains and powerful winds, causing widespread flooding and damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure throughout the county. Many residents were caught off guard by the severity of the storm, leading to tragic consequences for those who were unable to evacuate in time.
Emergency responders have been working around the clock to rescue stranded individuals, provide medical assistance, and assess the extent of the damage. The sheriff’s office has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as recovery efforts continue.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Buncombe County is facing a long road to recovery. The community has come together to support those who have been affected by the storm, with volunteers and organizations providing food, shelter, and other essential services to those in need.
As the cleanup and rebuilding process begins, it is important for residents to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local authorities. The sheriff’s office is urging residents to be cautious of potential hazards such as downed power lines, contaminated water, and unstable structures.
In times of crisis, it is crucial for communities to come together and support one another. Buncombe County is no exception, as residents work together to rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and those who are struggling to rebuild their lives in the wake of this tragedy.
