Helene killed at least 95 people in North Carolina, state officials said Monday. There are 26 people still missing after the storm hit the North Carolina mountains with deadly flooding and mudslides Sept. 27.

What You Need To Know

  • State officials confirmed 95 deaths over 21 countiesfrom the storm, and 26 are still unaccounted for

  • What was once 1,200 road closures is now 500, but estimates to repair damages are around $5 billion, officials said

  • Nearly 750 people were rescued by National Guard members

  • Gov. Roy Cooper, in Asheville Monday morning, called on former President Donald Trump to not share "lies and misinformation" when he visits the western North Carolina city later in the day

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell were in western North Carolina Monday morning.

The two leaders and other state officials visited a community care station in Asheville to see Helene relief efforts and update the public on recovery efforts.

The governor and his team shared updates to different ongoing efforts across the western part of the state as they continue to work with hundreds of contractors.

Progress continues to be made on the roadways, though. What was once 1,200 road closures is now 500, but estimates to repair damages are around $5 billion.

“This will take billions of dollars, and years of bipartisan focus. We need western North Carolina to recover. The beauty and vitality of the mountains must be restored,” the governor said.

Additionally, Cooper said 28 school districts have resumed operations, while seven remain closed.

There are still 3,100 soldiers led by the North Carolina National Guard and supplied by multiple states to offer help where needed. Major General Todd Hunt said soldiers have recorded 1,200 flight hours on 12 helicopters supporting day-to-day operations. Nearly 750 people have been rescued.

The governor thanked employers for allowing those members to step away from work and offer a crucial hand.

“We will continue to be with you, Governor, moving every step of the way through recovery,” FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said. She said $124 million had already been given to people who need it from FEMA, along with $1.4 billion in total aid to the state in cleanup efforts so far.

In Buncombe County, the hardest hit from Helene, officials continue announcing new debris cleanup sites. Contractors in Buncombe County estimate that there are about three million cubic yards of storm debris within the city limits or about 140 football fields stacked 10 feet high.

Criswell announced new initiatives in hiring community liaisons to work aside FEMA to share concerns. She stated that they will be integrated into all counties and are open for immediate applications.

Cooper also tried to squashed any disinformation during the news conference Monday, saying the federal government was there before and after the storm.

He added his concern that if residents don’t seek the federal government’s help, they could turn to scammers.

“Donald Trump is coming to Asheville today. I am asking that he not share lies and misinformation while he’s here,” Cooper said. “Storm recovery cannot be partisan.”

FEMA also continues to reference their website that responds to rumors.

He added that everyone across the state will still have their voices heard in this year’s election.