Hurricane Helene devastates Asheville, NC; National Guard deployed, 119 rescued

Hurricane Helene devastates Asheville, NC; National Guard deployed, 119 rescued


As the death toll continues to rise in the southern states, first aid and assistance is being provided to the victims hurricane helen Roaming across the country.

By Sunday morning, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) activated more than 500 soldiers and airmen and more than 200 vehicles and aircraft, including hoist and emergency aviation assets as well as high-water response vehicles.

The NCNG reported that it completed 16 air missions, resulting in the rescue of 119 civilians and 11 pets.

“Our National Guard aerial resources have identified people on the ground, and have used social media and emergency calls to locate, identify, and evacuate civilians in western North Carolina,” NCNG wrote in an update on Twitter.

Rescue operations underway in North Carolina after Hurricane Helen causes ‘historic’ flooding, landslides

The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and floods the town of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, following heavy rains from Hurricane Helene in Lake Lure, North Carolina, on September 28, 2024. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

NCNG says 41 people rescued in north in largest single mission Asheville in Bumcombe County.

“Our air assets have moved more than 34,000 pounds of cargo, including food, water and medical supplies to be distributed. Over the past 48 hours, we have received a surge of personnel and air assets from Connecticut, Maryland, Ohio, Iowa, Florida .South Carolina, and Pennsylvania,” the post from NCNG continued.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper gave an update during a morning press briefing and thanked everyone for their hard work.

Cooper wrote, “North Carolina is strong, and our first responders are the best in the country. I am grateful for their hard work and for risking their lives to protect all North Carolinians. This is an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response.” is required.” X.

During his rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, former President Trump began with a prayer for all those affected by Hurricane Helene.

“Before we begin, I want to send my love and prayers to the families of those who have been killed, the many deaths, and all those who are displaced and suffering in the aftermath of the typhoon’s destruction in the South, especially Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and especially western North Carolina were hit tremendously,” Trump said.

“It’s been absolutely devastating. And God be with you all. It’s been very difficult. That was a big monster storm and it was much harder than anyone thought. So, we want to wish everyone our very best.” Are,” he continued.

Panthers owners donated $3 million to Hurricane Helene relief efforts; BUCS also gives 7 marks

asheville hurricane helen damage

Heavy rain from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage in Asheville, NC on September 28, 2024. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

A salon owner in Asheville shared an update on the damage to her salon.

The Bam Salon owner wrote, “It is with the heaviest of hearts and the sickest stomach I post this… The Bam Salon was completely destroyed by the flooding of the French Broad.”

“This heaven and sanctuary that was my business and workplace will have to be completely rebuilt. I started a GoFundMe to assist myself and my stylists as we have lost our place of work and income while we rebuild. Let’s try to do and replace what has been lost,” the post continued.

The Balm Salon owner thanked everyone for their support and asked for continued prayers for their community.

“Anything helps, I know our entire community is suffering, and we all have a lot to change. So many people were affected by this devastating storm. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. I hope That everyone is safe, the salon owner wrote, and that our community will come together to see everything back for all those affected.

On Sunday, US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra made an announcement Public Health Emergency (PHE) To North Carolina to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene.

“We will do everything we can to help North Carolina officials deal with the health impacts of Hurricane Helene,” Becerra said. “We are working closely with state and local health officials, as well as our partners in the federal government, and stand ready to provide additional public health and medical support.”

Flood waters rise in Asheville

A person walks through a flooded area near the Swannanoa River in Asheville, NC on September 27, 2024 (AP Photo/Eric Verduzco)

Public health emergency declarations follow President Biden’s emergency declarations Florida, alabama, Georgia, North Carolina And TennesseePublic health emergency declarations provide health care providers and suppliers of Medicare and Medicaid services greater flexibility to meet the emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

“ASPR will continue to deploy teams to assist in the joint federal and multi-state response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and other affected states,” said Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Don O’Connell. “We are evaluating the impacts of the storm and requests for federal assistance.”

Flood waters rise in Asheville

Emergency workers monitor rising flood waters in Asheville, N.C., on September 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Verduzco)

Country music star Luke Combs also expressed his condolences to everyone in the storm’s path and said he had “some special plans” to help.

“So sad for everyone affected by Hurricane Helene. Especially my people in western North Carolina. My team and I have been making some calls and I think we have as much time as we can to help the Carolinas. Something really special. More details coming soon,” Combs wrote in a post on X.

Fellow country music artist Chase Rice echoed Combs and offered support to those living in the Carolinas.

“I want to come in, God bless Carolina,” Rice wrote in a repost of Combs’ statement.

College football teams stranded on buses on flooded interstate amid devastation caused by Hurricane Helen

Tornado damage in Asheville, NC

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Big Bend, Florida on Thursday night. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

“I have authorized the FL National Guard to send air assets to North Carolina in support of NC’s Hurricane Helene response,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote in a post on Twitter.

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Cooper said this during a press conference on Sunday Death toll reached 11 The threat was expected to increase as search teams reached areas isolated by the storm.

He asked residents to avoid traveling on roads in western North Carolina to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Fox News Digital’s Stephen Soares contributed to this report.


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