From Haywood County Emergency Services:
As day three of search and rescue efforts gets underway skilled teams from as far away as Wilmington, NC are continuing intensive efforts to help search miles of riverbank and rugged terrain.
Drone and K9 teams are assisting ground and swift water rescue teams today. There are a total of 225 rescuers working in the area.
As of this release, 7 people remain unaccounted for.
Unfortunately, two individuals have been confirmed dead. They are Frank Mungo, 86 years old of Cruso, North Carolina and Franklin McKenzie, 68 years old of Cruso, North Carolina.
Governor Roy Cooper and Senator Thom Tillis toured the affected areas yesterday and spoke with residents and rescuers, offering encouragement and support.
There is significant damage to roads and bridges, especially in Cruso, with at least 10-15 bridges damaged or destroyed.
Heavy equipment teams are moving into the area today to begin clearing the largest debris piles.
Residents who are working on clearing debris from their properties are encouraged to document as much as possible with photographs before they move anything so that complete damage assessments can be made.
In the process of removing debris, please do not pile it into state roads. Doing so may block access to rescue vehicles and other essential traffic.
Residents hoping to access active search areas are being asked to present identification before entering restricted areas.
The emergency shelter at Tuscola High School is housing 7 people today.
A helpline is in place for anyone seeking assistance related to the storm. The helpline number is 828-356-2022. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Residents with immediate life-threatening needs should call 911, otherwise use the helpline number for all other needs.
Types of assistance available through the helpline:
Missing person information
Food, housing assistance
Special needs assistance
Volunteer or donation opportunities
Other storm-related needsAnyone seeking to donate items for the recovery effort are encouraged to take them to the following location.
Bethel Baptist Church: 5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton, NC 28716
Helping Haywood: 289 Industrial Park Drive WaynesvilleThese locations are distributing items to those need.
Bethel Baptist Church: 5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton, NC 28716 – clothing, children’s clothing, food, water, toiletries
Canton First Baptist Church: 74 Academy Street Waynesville – food, water, toiletries
Faith Community Church: 289 Industrial Drive Waynesville – food, water, toiletriesThose affected by storm damage will find meals are available at Bethel Baptist Church: 5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton, NC 28716
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.