Rescue crews in western North Carolina are searching for missing people following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene, which killed more than 200 people and left many without power or clean water. The storm washed out roads, damaged bridges, and stranded residents in isolated communities across the region. Federal, state, and local authorities are working to clear roads and deliver aid to those in need, while citizen-led volunteer groups are also providing assistance.
In Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, over 200 people remain missing, with the death toll surpassing 200. Duke Energy is working to restore power to the nearly 600,000 outages in the Carolinas, down from over 4.5 million last week. The search for missing individuals continues, with stories of tragic losses emerging, such as the couple torn apart by a “wall of water.”
Leading up to the storm, officials issued warnings and declared a local state of emergency as Helene approached. Daily conferences were held with local officials to alert residents of the flood danger, leading to a mandatory evacuation order issued once flooding became widespread. However, some meteorologists believe that by the time a flash flood emergency is declared, it is often too late for residents to evacuate.
The aftermath of Helene has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with communities coming together to support one another and aid in the recovery efforts. Despite the challenges faced, the region is working tirelessly to rebuild and assist those affected by this historic disaster.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com