### North Carolina Grapples with Uncertainty and Devastation Post-Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina faces a challenging situation as officials remain unable to verify the exact number of missing individuals. Fatalities have been recorded across 20 counties, with the state reporting at least 115 storm-related deaths — the highest toll among southeastern states affected by the storm two weeks ago.

Ellie Erickson, a volunteer based in Hawaii, has taken on the formidable task of tracking the missing through a Google spreadsheet. Erickson, who previously assisted in locating missing persons after last year’s Maui wildfires, has received 1,412 reports of missing individuals. The list predominantly consists of names from North Carolina, but it also includes reports from Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Among the missing is Kim Ashby, a teacher who was swept away by swift waters in the Elk River. Her family reports that the search has now shifted to Tennessee, owing to the possibility that she was carried across state lines. John Norwood from Marion, North Carolina, is searching for his fiancée Julie le Roux, who disappeared when a roof collapse separated them. Fori and Ron McLean are still hoping for the safe return of their son Drew, missing since the storm struck. "God's hands are on Drew, if he's still on earth," remarked Ron McLean.

Despite ongoing efforts from search and recovery teams working around the clock, the situation is complicated by widespread misinformation. Buncombe County spokeswoman Lillian Govus highlighted the significant impact of false rumors circulating in North Carolina, such as exaggerated claims of people being trapped or unidentified bodies piling up. These rumors divert critical resources from essential rescue operations.

Misinformation has also been a problem on a federal level, fueled by former President Donald Trump and his allies. They have made inaccurate claims about FEMA’s capabilities, which FEMA chief Deanne Criswell calls the worst misinformation she's encountered. President Joe Biden urged Trump to cease spreading "reckless, irresponsible and relentless disinformation."

Hurricane Helene made landfall at approximately 11:10 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Sept. 26, near Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 storm. The hurricane brought severe rainfall to Georgia and South Carolina before reaching the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Flooding and landslides have caused extensive damage, including the closure of major highways I-40 and I-26. President Biden recently surveyed the damage near Asheville but was unable to visit the city directly due to impassable roadways. Nearly 50,000 people in North Carolina remain without power.

As North Carolina struggles to recover from Hurricane Helene's devastation, the combined efforts of volunteers, officials, and affected families continue to seek resolution and relief amidst the chaos.