Devastating North Carolina Flooding: Governor Roy Cooper Speaks on Hurricane Helene's Aftermath

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina has been grappling with profound devastation, particularly in its western regions. Governor Roy Cooper issued a statement detailing the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the catastrophe. "The catastrophic devastation to Western North Carolina is like nothing we have ever seen. Emergency responders are working around the clock coordinating rescues and getting resources to help people with their immediate needs as they work to save lives," Gov. Cooper said in a recent release.

As of Saturday, September 28, Gov. Cooper confirmed that the hurricane has claimed the lives of 10 North Carolina residents. Since Thursday, September 26, swift water and helicopter rescue teams have successfully rescued over 200 individuals. The scale of the destruction has left many areas in dire need, with thousands of residents facing significant challenges.

In Henderson County, the aftermath is evident with countless trees downed, blocking roads and causing traffic hazards. A local resident, Daniel Martindale, witnessed the floods rise above his wife's SUV. He described the scene from his porch, seeing neighbors and rescuers working together to save lives. "The water came up all the way above my wife's SUV. This was the worst flooding I'd ever seen from any hurricane," Martindale shared.

The power outages have also been a major concern, with nearly 70,000 people left without electricity. Duke Energy reported extensive damage to power lines, some of which were precariously held up by fallen trees. Despite these challenges, the community's resilience shines through. Everyday people, alongside first responders, have been working tirelessly to clear the roads, using chainsaws and other tools to remove debris.

The spirit of cooperation and determination is evident as recovery efforts continue. For more detailed updates on the situation and to witness the ongoing progress, watch the full video on WLOS ABC 13 News' YouTube channel.