Race Against Time: Hurricane Helene's Deadly Impact in North Carolina

Emergency teams in western North Carolina are scrambling to find missing persons three days after Hurricane Helene devastated the southeastern U.S., causing over 100 deaths across six states. Buncombe County faces severe casualties and infrastructural damage. Efforts are underway to distribute essential supplies and restore communication and power.

Emergency teams in western North Carolina rushed on Monday to find missing individuals three days after Hurricane Helene ravaged the southeastern United States, claiming more than 100 lives across six states, disrupting communications, and leaving millions without power. In Buncombe County, including Asheville, 35 deaths have been reported, according to the county sheriff.

County Manager Avril Pinder explained the severity of the crisis: "We don't have water and we do not have power across most of the county... the roads are still incredibly dangerous." Supplies were being airlifted to isolated areas later in the day.

The storm's impact extended to Yancey County, where century-old trees were uprooted. Residents struggled to navigate the aftermath, relying on neighbors with walkie talkies to find safe routes. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the challenge of communication and the ongoing search and rescue efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)