With the death toll much higher than feared, the search for survivors of Hurricane Helene becomes more desperate by the hour.
At a Glance
- Search for survivors continues after Hurricane Helene, which has killed at least 161 people.
- Many people remain unaccounted for, especially in North Carolina.
- President Biden reported 600 people unaccounted for.
- FEMA has deployed search and rescue personnel and is working to bring in satellite communications.
- Over 3,300 federal personnel are supporting response efforts.
Search and Rescue Efforts Intensify
Rescue crews in North Carolina are diligently navigating the treacherous aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has claimed at least 161 lives. Hazardous floodwaters, fallen trees, and shattered structures challenge their search for survivors. President Biden confirmed that 600 people remain unaccounted for amidst this chaos. FEMA has deployed search and rescue teams and is working to establish satellite communications to aid in these critical operations.
Unprecedented devastation has struck the southeastern United States, with North Carolina bearing the brunt. Torrential rains flooded dams and waterways, worsening conditions further inland. The Carolinas and Tennessee experienced extreme rainfall, with Busick, North Carolina, receiving over 31 inches in just two days. Entire communities have been wiped off the map, described by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper as an “unprecedented tragedy requiring an unprecedented response.”
Hurricane Helene’s death toll passes the 150 mark after South Carolina reports three more https://t.co/voSOVYvwWW
— WBRC 6 News (@WBRCnews) October 1, 2024
Relentless Pursuit of Survivors
Western North Carolina remains an active search and rescue zone. In Buncombe County, labeled as experiencing “biblical” flooding, emergency crews are working tirelessly. Cadaver dogs and search teams are combing through debris to locate victims. Daily rescues continue as essential supplies like food and medical care are air-delivered to isolated communities, overcoming impassable roads.
“It’s total devastation, and very heartbreaking, because we were a family,” said Becky Jarvis, whose husband built their now-destroyed home 40 years ago. “It’s very sad.”
The search efforts are grueling, but volunteers and professionals show relentless dedication. “We’ve been going door to door, making sure that we can put eyes on people and see if they’re safe,” said Avril Pinder, the county manager for Buncombe County, including Asheville. Despite strain and exhaustion, the resolve to find every possible survivor remains strong.
Hurricane Helene’s death toll passes the 150 mark after South Carolina reports three more https://t.co/voSOVYvwWW
— WBRC 6 News (@WBRCnews) October 1, 2024
International Aid and Coverage
The international community has rallied to provide support, yet the primary focus persists on locating survivors and delivering life-saving assistance. Essential services such as power and cellular communications are being restored progressively. Over 380,000 individuals in Swannanoa, North Carolina, are cut off from communication and power, relying on continued emergency efforts to regain normalcy.
“We have to jump start this recovery process,” President Joe Biden said Tuesday. “People are scared to death. This is urgent.” The devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene is stark, yet so is the spirit of recovery permeating the communities affected.
As aid flows in and the search continues, everyone holds onto hope. “
