As more damage emerges, a spirit ‘nothing short of inspiring’ seen in McDowell County in NC mountains: Sheriff
OLD FORT, N.C. (WNCN) — With at least 650 roads still closed in the North Carolina mountains on Sunday, new images are still surfacing of tremendous damage to various roads and buildings in McDowell County.
And, on Sunday, a missing person was found dead in the county, officials said.
North Carolina National Guard troops are camping in the very mountainous areas of McDowell County and working on N.C. 80 — a key winding road near Mount Mitchell and through Mount Mitchell State Park.
Helping in McDowell County are members of the 118th Air Support Operations Squadron a combat support unit of the North Carolina Air National Guard based in Badin in Stanly County east of Charlotte.
Slideshow: Images from McDowell County
Troops from the unit are camping along N.C. 80 which connects Yancy County communities down to the Marion area. It's one of about 45 roads closed just in McDowell County.
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"Hurricane Helene may have brought devastation, but it cannot shake the spirit of our mountain communities, neighborhoods, and the families who have called this place home for generations," McDowell County Sheriff Ricky Buchanan wrote on Facebook. "The sheriff's office has witnessed firsthand the unfathomable acts of kindness and generosity — both from our own citizens and from those out of county and state. The support pouring in has been nothing short of inspiring."
Soldiers are encountering tremendous damage along N.C. 80 where areas have collapsed and debris is covering the areas that still remain.
McDowell County Emergency Management officials said Sunday that 11 people are still missing after more than 400 who were earlier missing were found safe.
A missing woman was found dead in McDowell County on Sunday after K-9s detected human remains, Colorado Urban Search and Rescue Task Force One said.
This weekend, soldiers worked to find routes for aid delivery in various areas, including Swannanoa, Pleasant Grove, Old Fort, Spruce Pine, Bakersville, Fairview, and Emerald City.
The National Guard team in McDowell County is among more than 1,700 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen who were activated to help in the mountains by Gov. Roy Cooper.
"We know the roots that bind us, and together we will begin the healing process. Recovery will take time, but our strength lies in our unity. Together, we will rebuild, restore, and protect the places we cherish," McDowell County Sheriff Buchanan wrote. "Let's continue to stand strong, support one another, and move forward with hope."
In addition to soldiers, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has more than 2,050 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment working on more than 3,200 damaged road sites.
National Guard and military personnel from North Carolina and other states are operating more than 50 helicopters and more than 716 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina
