Forbes – According to the Associated Press, the death toll as of Sunday night stood at 91, while hundreds remain unaccounted for.
Nearly 100 people have died across six states following the widespread destruction and catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, a figure authorities warn is likely to rise as they race to carry out rescue and recovery efforts.
At least 30 deaths were reported in North Carolina’s Buncombe County, where the mountain city of Asheville became isolated after facing historic flooding.
In a press conference on Sunday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said the state is facing an “unprecedented tragedy,” adding that many people are cut off” because floods and landslides have made certain roads “impassable.”
At least 17 storm-related deaths were reported in Georgia, while the death toll in South Carolina stood at 25 as of Sunday evening.
Multiple deaths have also been reported in Florida—where Helene first made landfall as a Category 4 storm—Virginia and Tennessee.
Communities in western North Carolina were hit especially hard by the effects of Hurricane Helene, with catastrophic flooding destroying hundreds of roads and bridges.
Access to several areas has been cut off, preventing crews from getting much-needed supplies like food, water and fuel to residents.
