Weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, 92 people remain unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue, Governor Roy Cooper announced on Tuesday. The storm, which made landfall on September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane, caused widespread destruction, particularly in the state’s mountainous regions, which were unprepared for such a severe weather event.

At least 118 people have died in North Carolina, nearly half of the 243 fatalities across multiple states. The hurricane brought historic levels of rain and wind, leading to landslides and flooding that isolated entire towns from aid. The state’s National Guard continues search and rescue operations in the hardest-hit areas, with the number of missing individuals expected to fluctuate as more reports come in.

The recovery efforts have been further complicated by misinformation spreading online, which has led to threats against federal responders. Cooper condemned the false information, warning that it not only undermines relief efforts but also endangers the safety of those trying to help. Armed individuals have reportedly threatened workers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), prompting the governor to direct law enforcement to protect responders.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell echoed the governor’s concerns, calling the threats “heartbreaking” and emphasizing that misinformation will not deter the agency’s mission. Despite the threats, FEMA’s teams resumed their canvassing efforts on Monday, with more than 2,000 federal workers currently deployed in the state. 

Cooper urged the public to stop spreading false information and reaffirmed the commitment to protecting both the responders and the storm survivors as recovery efforts continue.