Volunteers in Buncombe County, North Carolina, are working tirelessly to provide answers to anxious families wondering about the fate of their loved ones in the aftermath of a devastating storm. County Manager Avril Pinder revealed that volunteers went door-to-door, knocking on over 300 doors in search of residents. Fortunately, they confirmed that the majority of individuals they encountered were safe and unharmed.
The Register of Deeds spearheaded the organized door-to-door efforts, leveraging the county's vital records to track down residents. A dedicated website was also set up for people to report missing friends or family members, helping to reduce the number of missing persons to below 600 as of Sunday.
Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of 40 Buncombe County residents, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations. The county received support from federal urban search and rescue teams equipped with specialized resources. These teams bring essential capabilities such as canine search units, emergency medical treatment, hazardous materials response, and swift water rescue expertise to aid in the recovery efforts.
Chief Michael Case emphasized the teams' readiness to operate in challenging environments, highlighting their ability to provide advanced medical care, including minor surgeries in the field. The collaborative efforts of volunteers, local officials, and federal teams underscore the community's resilience and determination to navigate through this crisis together.
