More than 20 people are still missing in North Carolina, authorities said Monday, nearly a month after Hurricane Helen caused extensive damage in the western part of the state.
Authorities say 26 people are still missing, down from 92 last week, ABC News reported.
The local ABC affiliate reported Sunday that the death toll in western North Carolina had increased. reached 95 deaths, mostly due to drownings and landslides. Helen's total death toll is nearly 250.
Gov. Roy Cooper (R) called the hurricane “the deadliest and most devastating storm” in state history.
As the region struggles to recover, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has launched a “new initiative” to hire community liaisons to give people the opportunity to work, Administrator DeAnne Criss said. Well said Monday.
“We know that so many people are temporarily out of work. We know that others just want to give back,” Criswell said, according to ABC News. “We want to help people stay in these communities until they recover.” “So these new community liaisons are working with us at FEMA to make sure they are a local voice, a trusted voice within the community, and to share local considerations and concerns with us. We're going to make sure that we include them by allowing them to share as part of this recovery. ”
“They will be embedded in every county and will work directly with county managers, mayors, and community leaders and bridge their concerns with FEMA staff. And these jobs are available for people to apply for right now. ” she added.
