The Weather Channel is reporting that the death toll from Hurricane Helene is at least 150 people in six states, including at least 64 in North Carolina.
The Boone County Fire Protection District says at least 61 members of Columbia-based Missouri Task Force One (MO-TF1) are currently searching a seven-mile stretch of a river in McDowell County, North Carolina this (Thursday) morning. Boone County Fire assistant chief Gale Blomenkamp says that mission is expected to last a few days, due to significant debris and destruction along the river. Mr. Blomenkamp says that’s causing challenging conditions for crew members.
MO-TF1 has also deployed seven human remains detection K-9s and their handlers to North Carolina. Mr. Blomenkamp says communications remain difficult in the region.
