The death toll continues to rise as communities in western North Carolina continue to dig out from the catastrophic floods brought by Helene. 

Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, confirmed 40 people have been found dead there. The number continues to rise from Buncombe. Information on fatalities from other counties has been sparse so far.

Residents across the region are facing long power outages, no cellphone service and shortages of food, water and fuel. Most areas have nighttime curfews for residents.

What You Need To Know

  • The death toll continues to rise in Buncombe County, where officials reported 40 confirmed dead

  • Reports of fatalities in other communities have been sporadic, but the death toll is expected to rise

  • Water supplies are beginning to reach more communities as crews clear roads of trees and mudslides

  • The president, who plans to visit North Carolina Wednesday, approved an expedited disaster declaration to help residents with lodging, other expense

“Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented devastation across Western North Carolina, and we are leading an unprecedented response to surge food, water and needed supplies into these communities,” Gov. Roy Cooper said Monday.

“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,” Cooper said in a news release. 

The governor toured Asheville Monday with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

The flooding damaged and destroyed many water systems in the area. In Asheville and other communities, water systems could take weeks to repair. 

"Damage to the Asheville water system is catastrophic," Assistant City Manager Ben Woody said. 

State and local officials are organizing deliveries of water for residents. Local officials in Asheville and other areas report more regular supplies of water arriving for distribution. Find full information on where to get water and other resources here. 

The governor's office said more than 400 members of the National Guard have been deployed to help with recovery and supply distribution. 

The North Carolina National Guard Monday shared photos of cargo planes and helicopters loaded with supplies being delivered to western North Carolina. The helicopters also helped evacuate people from Avery County. 

National Guard flight crews are also helping in North Carolina from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Indiana.

President Joe Biden plans to visit North Carolina Wednesday, landing in Raleigh and taking an aerial tour of the damage to the west.

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The president approved an expedited request to declare a major disaster in 25 counties in North Carolina and for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The FEMA declaration can help people pay for temporary lodging, some home repairs and property losses and other needs. 

"More than 5,000 households have contacted FEMA to apply for assistance by phone and online," according to the governor's office.