Rescue workers are swiftly delivering aid to Asheville and surrounding towns in North Carolina after significant flooding from Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on buildings, roads, and left countless residents without power.

Buncombe County, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, has reported at least 35 fatalities, with the number expected to rise, according to YSL News.

With power outages and severely damaged roadways, Asheville has become nearly isolated, complicating relief efforts. The National Guard of North Carolina is utilizing helicopters to transport food, water, and essential supplies to the area, as stated by Governor Roy Cooper.

“This is an unmatched disaster that calls for an extraordinary response,” Cooper remarked.

Intense rainfall as Hurricane Helene made landfall

Over 500 soldiers and air personnel from the National Guard have been mobilized in response.

Helene led to significant flooding throughout the southeastern U.S., with North Carolina being severely impacted. Some areas recorded over 30 inches of rain, reported YSL News.

As of Sunday morning, at least 200 roads were closed in North Carolina, including major highways like Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 at the state border with Tennessee, according to YSL News.

Areas such as Jeter Mountain recorded rainfall exceeding 32 inches, while Busick saw about 30 inches, according to AccuWeather.

Atlanta experienced more than 11 inches of rain over a span of 48 hours, surpassing the previous record of 9.59 inches set in 1886, AccuWeather reported.

The historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, which attracts many tourists, will stay closed while damage assessments take place.

What is the estimated damage caused by Helene?

Initial estimates regarding the financial toll of Helene’s destruction vary significantly. AccuWeather projects total damage and economic losses could range from $145 billion to $160 billion, whereas Moody’s Analytics suggests losses could range from $20 billion to $34 billion.