Hundreds of thousands (450,000 customers in NC alone) of people are still without power and cell phone service. Roads and bridges are destroyed, rivers are overflowing, and life-threatening mudslides make it impossible to travel in search of food or water. This is the reality for countless people and their pets in Western North Carolina and other areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene. 

The aftermath can only be described as "post-apocalyptic". Over 130 people have died as the death toll continues to rise. Entire towns have been washed away and people are unable to contact loved ones to see if they are ok. People stranded in destroyed areas are often unable to call for help.

Thankfully, there are search and rescue teams, comprised of first responders from several states, who are entering these areas by boat, helicopter, and military vehicles to save lives. 

NC National Guard (NCNG) along with search and rescue teams, 18 teams from other states all the way from Colorado to New Hampshire, have rescued over 500 people and 64 animals. 

The search continues and the first responders are working round-the-clock to not only save lives but to provide bottled water and food to the survivors. These men and women are our heroes! 

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper states, "This will be a long and difficult recovery and we must use every state, local and federal resource at our disposal to save lives, restore communications, and begin critical repairs to roads and infrastructure." 

Crews are working day and night to restore power and cell phone services to the devastated areas, while NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) sends out teams to clear roads for emergency vehicles. 

The main focus is on primary roads and roads leading to communities isolated by the damage. NCDOT posted a reminder on Facebook, "𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝙍𝙊𝘼𝘿𝙎 in Western North Carolina should be considered 𝘾𝙇𝙊𝙎𝙀𝘿. I-40 and I-26 are impassable in multiple locations. Travel in this area for non-emergency purposes is hindering needed emergency response."

The survivors of Helene need your support. Greater Good Charities is on the ground in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina where they are distributing essential aid to people and their pets. Donate now to help those in need.