PERRY, Fla. (AP) The southeastern United States was grappling Sunday with rising death tolls, a lack of vital supplies in isolated and flooded areas and widespread loss of homes and property after the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. became more evident, as authorities warned that reconstruction would be long and difficult.
A North Carolina county that includes the mountain city of Asheville reported 30 deaths due to the storm, bringing the total death toll to at least 84 people in several states.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper predicted the number will rise as rescuers and other emergency workers reach isolated areas, as some roads have broken down, other infrastructure has failed and there is widespread flooding.
He urged residents of Western North Carolina to avoid travel, both for their own safety and also to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. More than 50 search teams were distributed throughout the region in order to locate stranded people.
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