Hurricane Helene Leaves Over 1,000 People Missing In North Carolina

Hurricane Helene has left devastation across North Carolina, with more than 1,000 people unaccounted for in Buncombe County, one of the hardest-hit areas. Officials reported that 30 people have been confirmed dead in the county, with many more expected as rescue efforts continue. Floodwaters have swept away homes, roads have crumbled and communication lines remain down, making it difficult for people to reconnect with loved ones.

The county, home to the city of Asheville, has been overwhelmed with stormwater, collapsed infrastructure and impassable roads. Local authorities have created a special website to assist in the search for those missing, but the massive number of reports has stretched resources thin. Many of the missing are believed to be people unable to contact others due to widespread power outages.

Gov. Roy Cooper warned that the death toll is likely to rise as the full extent of the damage becomes clear. Emergency response teams have already rescued over 40 people, including an infant, but the challenges of reaching remote communities remain immense. Helicopters are being used to deliver essential supplies to those trapped by flooding and damaged roads.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, tragic stories have emerged, including that of a family from Texas whose elderly parents and young nephew drowned in Asheville when their roof collapsed under rising floodwaters. Despite desperate pleas for help on social media, rescue efforts arrived too late.

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm, has caused record flooding and widespread destruction across multiple states. At least 89 people have died so far, with millions still without power. North Carolina continues to be one of the hardest-hit regions and the long road to recovery has only just begun.