(VitalNews.org) – In a saddening revelation, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced that 92 people remain missing following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact.
The news comes as the state keeps dealing with the aftermath of the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina.
Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 monster that made landfall on September 26, causing unprecedented destruction across the Southeast.
The storm’s fury killed at least 118 people in North Carolina alone, nearly half of the 243 deaths reported across multiple states.
As the search for survivors continues, the full extent of the disaster is only now coming to light.
Governor Cooper discussed the situation at a recent briefing alongside Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives.
“I want to caution that this is not a definitive count because the task force is continuing its work,” Cooper said. “The number will continue to fluctuate as more reports come in and others are resolved.”
The National Guard has been deployed to conduct crucial search-and-rescue missions, particularly in the mountainous regions of western North Carolina.
These areas, including Asheville, have been cut off from civilization due to destroyed roads and landslides, leaving thousands without power, water and road access.
Despite the gravity of the situation, FEMA’s response has been marred by controversy and threats to its personnel.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell revealed that statements by certain politicians have fueled distrust and endangered federal responders.
“These are people who put their lives on hold to help those who have lost everything,” Criswell said of her employees. “It’s heartbreaking to see words or acts of hatred toward anyone, let alone federal responders who are here to help people in this critical time.”
The situation has become so dire that FEMA has been forced to temporarily change its recovery efforts due to safety concerns.
Governor Cooper claimed that the “persistent and dangerous flow of misinformation” has not only led to threats and intimidation but also “breeds confusion and demoralizes storm survivors and response workers alike.”
As the search for the missing continues and communities struggle to rebuild, Hurricane Helene’s aftermath reminds Americans of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need to stay united during these trying times.
Copyright 2024, VitalNews.org
