Multiple Dead, Missing in Buncombe Amid ‘Biblical Devastation’; New accommodations announced

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) – City of Asheville and Buncombe County officials held a press conference on Saturday, September 28, to provide an update on Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

During the afternoon briefing, county officials confirmed that there had been “multiple fatalities” in the county after Helene. The identity of the deceased has yet to be confirmed as next of kin must first be notified.

“You’ve heard us say, ‘catastrophic devastation in our county.'” I would go a step further and say we have biblical devastation throughout the county. We had biblical floods here, and they were extremely significant,” Ryan Cole, deputy director of Buncombe County Emergency Services, said during Saturday’s update at 4 p.m.

LIVE UPDATES: UPDATE FROM BUNCOMBE COUNTY OFFICIALS ON HELENE AFTERMATH

Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb confirmed the department is currently conducting welfare checks on residents and is expected to continue doing so. FEMA and state search and rescue teams are currently trying to locate people in western North Carolina. Local officials have also requested additional support from the National Guard.

The Buncombe County Register of Deeds has developed a web-based form to help people find and contact Buncombe County residents. This resource allows individuals to notify the county of people they believe are missing or cannot be reached. This resource is available to anyone within and outside of Buncombe County. You can find this form at this link.

People who need help locating friends and family members who may have been affected by the storm can also call 828-820-2761 to reach the Family Assistance Center and leave a voicemail.

Chief Mike Lamb says they are currently working on a running list of 60 missing people.

SOME HAYWOOD COMMUNITIES REMAIN CLOSED; Officials offer resources for residents

Local officials reported that the WNC Agricultural Center, which houses about 400 people, is now full. However, a shelter for people without pets just opened at AB Tech’s Asheville campus. This new shelter can accommodate 300-500 people.

College officials said general housing is open at the AB Tech/Mission Health Conference Center at 16 Fernihurst Drive (turnoff from Victoria Road at the traffic light by Smith McDowell House). Individuals must bring all required bedding and comfort items. No supplies will be provided.

Housing for people with medical needs is located at AB Tech’s Ferguson Center for Allied Health & Workforce Development, 10 Genevieve Circle and Victoria Road (opposite the Mission Health Emergency Department entrance). College officials said individuals must bring any necessary medical equipment or supplies. This location provides power for medical equipment.

“People seeking shelter with their pets should visit the emergency shelter at the WNC Agriculture Center,” AB Tech officials said in a news release.

The university remains closed until further notice.

CELL AND POWER FAILURES

County officials say cell phone providers expect it will take at least several more days to fully restore service. However, the district is considering setting up a temporary communications center where residents can call their loved ones.

The restoration of power and electricity supplies is also underway. Officials say fewer than 100,000 residents in the county are currently without power.

ASHEVILLE WATER SYSTEM “SEVERELY DAMAGED” BY HELENE; REPAIR IN PROGRESS

The county is also currently working with Waste Pro to better understand what waste collection will look like in the area.

As of Saturday, September 28, I-26 will be open for entry into South Carolina, which remains the only access point in and out of the mountains.