Rescue Teams Look for Hurricane Helene's Many Victims

Rescue teams are still searching for victims of Hurricane Helene. The storm cut a destructive path across the US Southeast. The death toll rose to 1xx on Monday. Hundreds of people remained missing, especially in hard-hit North Carolina. And millions were without power.

President Biden called the damage from the storm “stunning.” He declared North Carolina and parts of Florida to be national disaster areas. That allows them to receive federal aid. Biden said he would travel to the region this week.  

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said the death toll in his state would likely rise. Rescue workers have not yet reached some areas cut off by flooding and landslides. "This is an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response," Cooper said.  

The city of Asheville remained cut off by flooding. Supplies like food and water were being dropped in by air. 

Rescuers responding to calls for help have saved dozens of people stranded in their homes, among them an infant. That's according to CBS News.

Jessica Drye Turner pleaded on social media for rescuers to help her family. They were stranded on their home’s rooftop in Asheville. Flood waters were rising around their home. But a day later, Turner wrote that help had not arrived in time. Her parents, both in their 70s, as well as her 6-year-old nephew, had died when the roof collapsed.  

“I cannot convey in words the sorrow, heartbreak and devastation my sisters and I are going through nor imagine the pain before us,” she wrote on Facebook.

Reflect: What do you think are some challenges that communities face when dealing with the aftermath of severe weather events?