NORTH CAROLINA – The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has proven to be utterly devastating for many, but especially those in some rural western North Carolina towns that seem to be almost completely swept away.

Most residents have not had power or cell service to share real-time news of the destruction, so more and more news of the devastation is just now coming out.

North Carolina Department of Transportation shared that travel is limited for Hurricane response efforts due to major highways being completely washed away.

The NCDOT shared this image of I-40, near the Tennessee line.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol has assembled a “Swift Water Rescue Team” to try and help as many North Carolina residents as possible.

They stated, “Members a part of the Patrol’s Swift Water Rescue Team were deployed to WNC prior to the storms arrival and have been active throughout. The team included one of the Patrol’s medical doctors, Dr. Luciano, who was able to provide medical specific assistance. So far, the team has conducted over 300 rescues and welfare checks of structures and vehicles looking for those in need.”

While more information is still coming out, at least 73 people have been confirmed dead so far in North Carolina.

That number is expected to rise as search and rescue teams are still conducting efforts to find 100s of people who have been reported missing.

North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, stated that those looking to help visit the following:

To donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate.

Donations can also be mailed to:

• NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312.
• Or NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary NC 27511.

Donations made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies. All of the donations made will go to disaster relief.