Roy Cooper on Sunday. The storm has wreaked havoc, triggering floods and landslides that have left Asheville and Buncombe County particularly ravaged. The scale of the disaster has become painfully clear, revealing destroyed roads, highways, and a widespread breakdown of essential services across the region.

Rescue efforts are critical, with hundreds being evacuated from floodwaters by both aircraft and boat. The largest of these operations saw 41 people rescued from an area north of Asheville. Supplementing local resources, 15 additional aircraft from other states have joined the mission. As of Sunday morning, 280 state-maintained roads were closed, and major routes like I-40 and I-26 faced serious disruptions, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid travel and conserve fuel.

Gov. Cooper emphasized the unprecedented nature of this calamity, expressing deep condolences to families of the victims and stressing the need for unity and collective effort. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 10 of the statewide fatalities occurred within the county. Emergency services continue to face severe challenges with communications down across many areas, complicating coordination efforts.

Efforts to restore services and provide immediate aid are underway, with food and water being airlifted to Asheville and its surroundings. A temporary 20-bed hospital has been established in Caldwell County to provide medical relief. However, the widespread power outage and boil-water advisories affecting 52 and 93 water systems respectively, have further exacerbated the crisis.

Local officials and volunteers are tirelessly working to assist those stranded and ensure basic needs are met. The Western North Carolina community, including town officials and hospital leaders, are grappling with the chaos. Boone Mayor Tim Futrelle shared concerns over the economic impact, especially with the critical tourism season under threat.

The outpouring of support from both state and federal agencies reflects a communal effort to tackle the devastation. However, as the recovery progresses, the focus remains on immediate relief operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected residents. The recovery will be a formidable journey, requiring resilience and support from every corner of the community.