AMnews Online — The aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to devastate communities across the southeastern United States, with the death toll now reaching 130 and hundreds still missing. In Asheville, North Carolina, the situation remains particularly dire, as approximately 600 people remain unaccounted for. Search and rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors as floodwaters gradually recede, revealing the full extent of the destruction caused by the Category 4 storm.

The storm made landfall in Florida late last week, bringing sustained winds of over 130 mph and catastrophic flooding. It then barreled through six states, leaving a trail of devastation from northern Florida to Virginia. North Carolina has borne the brunt of the disaster, with 56 of the reported deaths occurring in the state. Buncombe County, home to the city of Asheville, has been one of the hardest-hit areas, with at least 40 fatalities confirmed as of Monday afternoon.

Search and Rescue Hampered by Destruction

Asheville, known for its picturesque mountain views and vibrant cultural scene, is now a city in crisis. Entire neighborhoods are submerged in murky brown floodwaters, and key infrastructure has been destroyed. Roads and bridges have been washed away, making it difficult for emergency responders to reach those in need. Rescue operations are ongoing, but as Mayor Esther Manheimer explained, the situation is overwhelming.

“We are discovering more devastation by the hour,” said Manheimer. “People are seeing homes floating down rivers, and we know that many families are still trapped. Unfortunately, we expect the death toll to rise as the full scale of the disaster becomes clear.”

The lack of communication is compounding the crisis. Cell service remains down across much of Buncombe County, leaving many families unable to contact their missing loved ones. Utility crews are working to restore power, but with over 2 million customers still without electricity across six states, progress has been slow. Officials warn it could take weeks before power is fully restored, especially in the more remote areas of western North Carolina.

Residents Urged to Stay Home as Resources Dwindle

Local authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads and avoid traveling to hard-hit areas, as search and rescue teams prioritize their efforts. Governor Roy Cooper reiterated this message, asking for patience and stressing that sightseers should stay away.

“We don’t need people driving into these devastated areas just to look around,” Cooper said. “Please stay home unless you are there to help. The roads are dangerous, and we need to keep them clear for emergency responders.”

With roads impassable and basic services stretched thin, Asheville is facing a resource crisis. Residents are being asked to conserve water and fuel as emergency supplies are directed to the most critical areas. Helicopters have been deployed to drop food, water, and other essential supplies into isolated communities that are inaccessible by road. Mayor Manheimer has described the need as “urgent” and called for immediate federal assistance.

“We need everything from food and water to port-a-potties and baby formula,” said Manheimer. “This is an unprecedented, catastrophic event for our city, and we need all the help we can get.”

National Guard and FEMA Mobilize to Aid Recovery

Thousands of National Guard members have been activated to assist with recovery efforts across the East Coast. In western North Carolina, federal teams are on the ground, working alongside local responders to coordinate rescue missions and provide aid. Governor Cooper and the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) visited some of the hardest-hit areas on Monday to assess the damage and determine the next steps in the recovery process.

Despite these efforts, residents like Krista Cortright, a Marion native, say help isn’t coming fast enough. Cortright and her boyfriend spent two-and-a-half hours driving through treacherous conditions to deliver supplies to his diabetic grandmother in Black Mountain, a trip that normally takes just 25 minutes.

“There are so many people who haven’t been reached yet,” said Cortright. “We’re doing what we can, but there’s just not enough resources to go around. My heart is broken for our people here.”

How You Can Help the Victims of Hurricane Helene

As the recovery process continues, there are many ways people across the country can assist the victims of Hurricane Helene. Several national and local organizations are coordinating relief efforts and accepting donations to help those affected by the storm.

You can support the ongoing relief work by donating to organizations such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and local food banks. The Red Cross is accepting monetary donations, which can be made by texting “HELENE” to 90999 to contribute $10 directly. Financial contributions help provide emergency supplies, shelter, and food for displaced families.

Volunteers are also needed in the hardest-hit areas, especially for recovery and rebuilding efforts. Those interested in volunteering can visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) website to find opportunities to help on the ground. If you are unable to volunteer, consider organizing donation drives for essential supplies, including food, water, hygiene products, and baby care items.