At Least 81 Still Missing in North Carolina as Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts Continue

Mar. 15, 2025

Residents and volunteers organize to hand out aid and clean up after Hurricane Helene flooding from the French Broad River along Rollins Road October 4, 2024 in Marshall, North Carolina.Photo:Steve Exum/Getty

Steve Exum/Getty

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper says at least 81 people remain missing in the state as the clean-up from Hurricane Helene continues.

Cooper confirmed the number while touring Swannanoa in Augusta County on Tuesday, Oct. 15, according toUSA Today.

The governor had suggested the number was as high as 92 at a press conference earlier that day, according toABC NewsandNBC News, but later revised the total.

At the time, Cooper warned that the number of missing individuals “will continue to fluctuate as more reports come in and others are resolved."

“The task force, law enforcement and other partners will continue working to locate those who are unaccounted for and I am thankful for their efforts,” Cooper said, perUSA Today.

At least95 storm-related deathshave been recorded in North Carolina, a total that is still “expected to rise over the coming days,” according to a news release from Cooper’s office.

During the Oct. 15 press conference, Cooper called out those who continue to perpetuate misinformation about whether or not assistance is being made available to North Carolinians in the wake of the devastating storm.

Residents and volunteers clean up on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, after the French Broad River flooded downtown Marshall, North Carolina.Travis Long/The News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty

Travis Long/The News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty

“When people assert that help is not coming to western North Carolina — which is completely untrue, which is a lie — the people who are actually on the ground helping feel demoralized,” Cooper said, per ABC News.

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“If you’re participating in spreading this stuff, stop it,” the governor added. “Whatever your aim is, the people you are really hurting are those in western North Carolina who need help. The safety of our government and volunteer response workers, including FEMA, remains a top priority.”

Cooper also accused Lt. Gov.Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor, of spreading disinformation about the relief efforts. “Candidates are using people’s misery to sow chaos for their own political objectives, and it’s wrong,” the governor said, referring to Robinson.

“It’s disappointing when candidates, knowing full well what they are doing, are continuing this kind of disinformation filled with lies,” Cooper continued.

Workers, community members, and business owners clean up debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Marshall, North Carolina on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty

Parsons, who was found with a rifle and handgun, directed the threat toward FEMA employees “working after the disaster of Hurricane Helene in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area.”

Find out how you can help the victims of Hurricane Helenehere.

source: people.com