Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina, United States Senator Them Tillis will be on the ground on Wednesday to tour storm and flooding damage in Haywood County.
Haywood County's Emergency Operations Public Information Officer Allison Richmond released a schedule earlier on Thursday, there will be a media briefing shortly after those tours end.
The number of missing residents is now listed as 20 as Search and Rescue crews made up f First Responders from all across the State, begin a second day of operations.
Sadly, two individuals were confirmed dead overnight. Haywood County Emergency Services are working with the medical examiner to make identification now.
More information will be released after next of kin has been notified.
Thursday's schedule:
11:30 a.m.
Canton Town Hall (58 Park St, Canton, NC 28716).
Sen. Thom Tillis will meet with Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers, Haywood County Government leadership, Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher, and Emergency Services Director Travis Donaldson to discuss the state of emergency and conduct a brief tour of the area. Portions of the tour will be walking around Canton and some will involve driving.
2:30 p.m.
Canton Town Hall(58 Park St, Canton, NC 28716).
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper will meet with Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers, Haywood County Government leadership, Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher, and Emergency Services Director Travis Donaldson to discuss the state of emergency and conduct a brief tour of affected areas. Portions of the tour will be walking around Canton and some will involve driving.
Haywood County Emergency Services also released the following update as the second day of searching begins.
"Over 200 searchers set off today on missions to continue searching home to home along the Pigeon River, clearing areas and making preliminary assessments of damage.
At this time we have around 20 people still unaccounted for. Several people were determined to be safe and reunited with their families.
Unfortunately, two individuals were confirmed dead overnight. We are working with the medical examiner to make identification now. More information will be released after next of kin has been notified.
Ground, aerial (drone), and swift water rescue teams are continuing intensive search efforts today.
Governor Roy Cooper and Senator Thom Tillis will be joining Haywood County officials today to tour flood-damaged areas.
There is significant damage to roads and bridges, especially in Cruso, with at least 10-15 bridges damaged or destroyed.
Residents hoping to access active search areas are being asked to present identification before entering restricted areas.
Engineering teams will be arriving today to work on assessing damage and constructing temporary bridges.
The emergency shelter at Tuscola High School is housing 11 people today..
A new helpline is also in place for anyone seeking assistance related to the storm. The helpline number is 828-356-2022. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Types of assistance available through the helpline:
- Missing person information
- Food, housing assistance
- Special needs assistance
- Volunteer or donation opportunities
- Other storm-related needs
Residents with immediate life-threatening needs, should call 911, otherwise use this number for all other needs."