As the death toll continues to rise in Southern states, first aid and assistance efforts are beginning across the United States for those affected by Hurricane Helen.
As of Sunday morning, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) had deployed more than 500 soldiers and airmen, and more than 200 vehicles and aircraft, including hoists, emergency air assets, and high water response vehicles.
NCNG reported completing 16 air missions and rescuing 119 civilians and 11 pets.
“Our National Guard aviation units identified people on the ground and utilized social media and emergency calls to locate, locate, and evacuate residents in Western North Carolina,” NCNG wrote in an update to X.
Rescue efforts underway in North Carolina after Hurricane Helen's 'historic' flooding and landslides
After heavy rains from Hurricane Helen in Lake Lure, North Carolina on September 28, 2024, the Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure, flooding the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
In the largest single mission, 41 people were rescued north of Asheville in Bumcombe County, NCNG said.
“Our aviation assets have transported more than 34,000 pounds of cargo, including food, water, and medical supplies for distribution. ” continues the post from NCNG.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper gave an update at a morning press conference and thanked everyone for their hard work.
“North Carolina is strong and our first responders are some of the best in the nation,” Cooper said. “We are grateful for their hard work as they put their lives on the line to protect all North Carolinians. This is unprecedented. This is a tragedy and requires an unprecedented response.” X.
During a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, former President Trump began by offering prayers for everyone affected by Hurricane Helen.
“Before I begin, I would like to send my love and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives, many of whom lost their lives, and all those displaced and suffering in the aftermath of hurricane destruction in the South. “Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and especially western North Carolina have been particularly hard hit,” President Trump said.
“It was truly devastating. And God be with you all. It was a tough time. It was a huge monster hurricane, and it was much harder than anyone thought. So we want to help you. I wish you all the best,” he continued.
Panthers owner donates $3 million to Hurricane Helen relief efforts. Bucks also give seven figures
On September 28, 2024, heavy rains from Hurricane Helen caused record flooding and damage in Asheville, North Carolina. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
An Asheville salon owner shared an update on the damage to her salon.
The owner of Balm Salon wrote: “It is with a heavy heart and a painful stomach that I write this post… Balm Salon was completely destroyed by flooding from the French coast.”
“This haven, which was my job and workplace, needs to be completely rebuilt. Having lost my place of work and income while trying to rebuild and replace what I have, I have lost my place of work and my income. I started a GoFundMe to help my stylist. “Lost,'' the post continued.
The Balm Salon owner thanked everyone for their support and asked for continued prayers for the community.
“Anything can help. I know our entire community is hurting, and we all have a lot to replace. So many people have been affected by this absolutely devastating storm. People have been affected. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and souls. We hope everyone is safe and our community has come together for everyone who has been affected. I hope everything goes back to normal,” the salon owner wrote.
On Sunday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra declared: Public Health Emergency (PHE) North Carolina deals with health impacts of Hurricane Helen.
“I am committed to helping North Carolina officials respond to the health impacts of Hurricane Helen,” Becerra said. “We are working closely with state and local health officials and partners across the federal government and stand ready to provide additional public health and medical assistance.”
A man walks through a flooded area near the Swannanoa River on September 27, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Eric Verduzco)
The public health emergency declaration follows President Biden's declaration of a state of emergency for the next term. florida, Alabama, georgia, north carolina and tennessee. A public health emergency declaration provides Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services health care providers and suppliers with flexibility to respond to the emergency medical needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
“ASPR continues to deploy teams to support the coordinated federal and multistate response to Hurricane Helen in North Carolina and other affected states,” said Dawn, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.・Mr. O'Connell said. “We are evaluating the effects of the storm and requesting assistance from the federal government.”
Emergency workers watch as floodwaters rise in Asheville, North Carolina, 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 was “preparing something special” to help.
“It's truly heartbreaking for everyone affected by Hurricane Helen, especially those in Western North Carolina. Me and my team have been on several calls to help the Carolinas in any way we can. , I think we have something really special in store. We'll share more details as soon as possible,” Combs wrote in a post to X.
Fellow country music artist Chase Rice echoed Combs' sentiments and offered his support to the people of the Carolinas.
Rice reposted Combs' statement and wrote, “I want in, God bless Carolina.”
College football team stranded on bus on flooded interstate due to Hurricane Helen
Hurricane Helen made landfall in Big Bend, Florida on Thursday night. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
“I have authorized the Florida National Guard to send Air Force units to North Carolina to assist with the response to Hurricane Helen,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a post on X.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Cooper said at a news conference Sunday that the death toll of 11 is expected to rise as search teams reach isolated areas from the storm.
He asked residents to avoid roadways in western North Carolina to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
