Governor Roy Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell held a detailed briefing yesterday to update North Carolina’s response to Hurricane Helene.
Officials from the North Carolina National Guard, NCDOT, and other state departments joined the conversation, highlighting ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.
“Hurricane Helene was a powerful reminder of nature’s might, but it also revealed the unbreakable spirit of our people,” said Governor Cooper in a press release. “In the face of adversity, we have seen neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping up, and first responders risking their lives to ensure our safety. This has been a massive, unprecedented state, local and federal response and I am grateful to all of those working tirelessly. Your bravery and selflessness embody the very essence of our community.”
Over 3,000 soldiers and airmen, including personnel from 12 different states, are currently assisting in the affected regions. The National Guard has deployed more than 40 helicopters and over 1,200 specialized vehicles to facilitate operations. Thousands more volunteers from hundreds of charitable organizations are also on the ground working tirelessly to help those affect, with some of the largest efforts coming from Samaritan’s Purse, the Red Cross, the Cajun Navy, and World Central Kitchen.
More than $60 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have already been distributed, with 134,000 people registering for aid. Around 2,600 residents are housed in hotels under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Federal teams have provided nearly 9.78 million liters of water and approximately 7.7 million meals to those in need. Public water supply updates are available through a dedicated website launched on Saturday.
The 89 storm-related fatalities in North Carolina may increase as rescue efforts continue. Residents seeking aid can apply for FEMA assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362, visiting disasterassistance.gov, or downloading the FEMA app. The Major Disaster Declaration, granted by President Biden, covers 27 counties in North Carolina.
More than 1,300 responders from 35 state and local agencies are assisting with recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which includes public health nurses, emergency teams, veterinarians, and more. Misinformation continues to circulate, and officials urge residents to visit ncdps.gov/Helene and FEMA’s rumor response webpage for verified information.
For updates on road closures and safe travel routes, NCDOT has posted a detour map at ncdot.gov. Power outages remain a challenge, with 86,000 customers still without power. More than 2,100 NCDOT workers and 1,100 pieces of equipment are involved in restoring the region’s damaged infrastructure. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Western North Carolina as crews work to reopen roads and bridges.
Food, water, and basic necessities are being distributed through local government and emergency management sites. More than 20,000 hot meals are served daily by mobile kitchens across affected areas. Shelters remain open, with 17 serving 715 people and 102 pets. To report missing persons or request non-emergency support, residents can call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162.
Additional support resources, including mental health help, are available through the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or by texting 988. For further information on assistance, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.
Here are additional ways you can continue to help;
#1 Volunteer your time:
– Samaritan’s Purse Volunteer Signup
– Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Signup
– North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
#2 Donate your money:
– Red Cross
– Salvation Army of The Carolinas
– JAARS
– World Central Kitchen
– Cajun Navy
– Samaritan’s Purse
– Baptists on Mission
– Americares Helene Relief Effort
– Community Housing Coalition (CHC) of Madison County
– BeLoved Asheville
– Hope Mill Inc’s Hurricane Relief
#3 Donate supplies:
– Operation Airdrop
– Foster Family Alliance of NC
– Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
– NC Mountains Emergency Response Facebook Group
Please share additional resources and rescue efforts in the comments below.
