Categories
Small Business Funding

Helene deadliest tropical storm in North Carolina history [Video]

Just weeks after Helene hit North Carolina, state officials said it was the deadliest tropical storm in state history. As of Monday, state officials confirmed 95 fatalities and at least 26 were reported missing as a result of Helenes impact in Western North Carolina. It comes as progress is being made to reopen and rebuild Western North Carolina following its devastating destruction. Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said 5,000 people are still without power compared to 1 million after the storm. The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reopened 789 roads out of 1,200 roads that were closed as a result of the storm. The NCDOT said about 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment are working to reopen roads that remain closed. State leaders also said Helenes response was the largest and fastest integration of U.S. military soldiers with the National Guard in North Carolina history. More than 3,150 soldiers and airmen have been working in the mountains. Two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty and a unit from Ft. Campbells 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are also working to provide support and relief efforts. Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.State officials said more than 1,600 responders from 39 state and local agencies have performed 146 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts.FEMA has provided $129 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds so far to help those directly impacted by the storm. More than 207,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. FEMA also said more than 6,200 people are in temporary housing through FEMAs Transitional Sheltering Assistance. More than 5,100 registrations for Small Business Administration Loans have also been filed as nearly 1,500 FEMA staff continue to help with operations in Western North Carolina. RELATED COVERAGE