PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Thirty-nine survivors were rescued in western North Carolina on Saturday after air search and rescue crews flew over 48 additional missions.
This comes in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene bringing catastrophic flooding in the region. Thus far, 6,586 people and counting have been rescued by search and rescue teams, a North Caroline release states.
At Gov. Cooper’s request, nearly 1,000 soldiers from Fort Liberty and Fort Campbell have been mobilized to assist with search and rescue and coordination of air traffic to ensure the safety of relief missions.
More than $30.2 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western NC disaster survivors and more than 96,747 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Nearly 1,700 people are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.