North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, said on Tuesday that 92 people are still missing after Hurricane Helene hit the state. The death count from the storm has now reached 95.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported that these deaths happened in 21 counties. Most of the deaths were in Buncombe County, with 42 people dead. Other hard-hit areas include Yancey County with 11 deaths and Henderson County with 7.
Governor Cooper explained that a special team from the Department of Public Safety has been working to find the missing people. He said, “As of today, 92 people are still unaccounted for, and the team will keep working hard to locate them.”
He also noted that this number could change as new information comes in and more people are found or reported missing.
“This storm caused record-breaking rainfall and destruction in one of our state’s most beautiful areas. Despite this disaster, people in North Carolina have come together to help each other,” Cooper said. “The recovery will take a long time, but we will be with the people in Western North Carolina throughout the process.”
The NCDHHS confirmed that the death reports were verified by the North Carolina Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).
Justin J. Graney, who leads communications for North Carolina Emergency Management, told Fox News that large search operations have been going on since the storm. These searches include looking through damaged buildings, vehicles, and areas where debris has gathered. Hundreds of responders have been involved in these efforts.
Graney explained that local authorities have been collecting information from 911 calls, social media, shelters, and other sources to help find missing people or check on those who haven’t been heard from.
“Thankfully, many cases were resolved when communication systems were fixed, allowing families to reconnect,” Graney added.
Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina last month, causing severe flooding in the mountains due to heavy rain.