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“One of the worst storms in modern history for parts of NC” – Gov. Roy Cooper
Hurricane Helene and it’s remnants continue to roll across the United States, leaving a wide swath of destruction and death. In the Southeast alone, at least 55 people are dead in five states, communities are leveled, power is out for millions, and many remain stranded by floodwaters. The NC Department of Transportation said Saturday in post on X that “all roads in Western NC should be considered closed.” So far, Buncombe County as received over 5,500 911 calls and conducted more than 130 swift water rescues. Officials are warning residents to stay away from water because of downed power lines and sewage contamination.
Per Cooper’s office, search and rescue operations remain underway as over 700,000 people across the state remain without power. More than 2 feet of rain fell in the state’s mountainous region from Wednesday morning to Friday morning, with Busick recording a total of 29.58 inches in just 48 hours. According to the Associated Press, floodwaters pushed by the remnants of Hurricane Helene left Asheville largely cut off Saturday by damaged roads and a lack of power and cellphone service, About 20 miles southwest of Asheville, overwhelming, torrential rainfall was pushing the Lake Lure Dam into “imminent failure,” according to the National Weather Service, but Rutherford County officials said early Saturday the dam is no longer at risk. Engineers controlled the flow rate, according to Rutherford County Emergency Management, but the town is still experiencing cell and internet service issues along with roadways blocked by trees and fallen power lines.
The North Carolina Medical Society is mobilizing efforts to help
- If you are in Western North Carolina and have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, the NC Department of Public Safety has set up a web page to answer your questions on everything from open shelters, closed roads, welfare checks for family, friends, and coworkers, and what you need to do next. Click here for the latest from NCDPS.
- FEMA and other federal agencies are closely working with governments and communities to respond to Hurricane Helene. Follow directions from local officials to stay safe, as rainfall and flooding continue through multiple states. Click here for the latest from FEMA.
- If you are interested in volunteering, the NCMS is putting together a bank of members, their specialties, and availabilities to connect you with the needs in Western NC. For more information, or to be added to our list e-mail, Randy Aldridge at raldridge@ncmedsoc.org.
- The NCMS will be activating it’s Disaster Relief Fund within the next 24 hours. Keep checking this web page and our social media for more information.
As the floodwaters subside, the North Carolina Medical Society will continue to monitor our members and the healthcare community of North Carolina for additional needs and relief efforts. Please continue to check our website for more information as it becomes available.
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