Dozens Still Unaccounted for in North Carolina in Hurricane Helene’s Wake

As North Carolina grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, an estimated 92 people remain unaccounted for, raising concerns and prayers across the state.

At a Glance

An estimated 92 people are still unaccounted for in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
The storm has resulted in at least 95 confirmed deaths in North Carolina alone.
Severe damage has complicated rescue efforts.
FEMA is working to ensure safety with over 2,000 personnel in North Carolina.

Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Impact

Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing devastation to North Carolina and beyond. According to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, an estimated 92 people are unaccounted for in the state three weeks after the storm wreaked havoc, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake. He made clear that this was not a “definitive” number due to continuing reports and rescues. As of October 16, 95 storm-related deaths were confirmed in the state.

Flooding and landslides have isolated cities, hindering relief operations and trapping residents in dire circumstances. With major highways like I-40 and I-26 closed, recovery efforts are ongoing but challengingly slow.

Still, reports indicate that over 1,100 people who were previously unaccounted for have been found safe thus far.

Ongoing Rescue and Challenges

North Carolina’s recovery efforts involve thousands of federal, state, and National Guard workers. While progress has been made — with power outages reduced and road closures improving — the challenges remain monumental.

Devastating floods and collapsing roads have left many parts of western North Carolina in ruins. Reaching people with supplies like water and food proved challenging in the days following the storm.

Despite the extreme damage, some North Carolina students are back in school this week, while some areas in the city of Asheville have running water again. Residents, however, are being told to boil the water before drinking it due to potential hazards.

Other Affected Areas

While parts of North Carolina saw severe devastation, it wasn’t the only state hit by the storm. Several other states, including Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia are grappling with the impacts of it. Over 220 people have been declared dead so far across all states affected.