More than two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina’s western region, approximately 100 people are still unaccounted for, Governor Roy Cooper announced on Tuesday.

During a press briefing, Governor Cooper noted that the current number of missing individuals, 92, might fluctuate as more reports are received and others are clarified.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to search for the missing, with 95 storm-related fatalities already confirmed in the state. Communication breakdowns in the early stages of the recovery made it more difficult to report and locate missing individuals.

Communities such as Asheville and other areas in the western part of North Carolina are still grappling with the destruction left behind by the hurricane. Thousands remain without electricity, running water, and access to reliable roadways.

Hurricane Helene, which initially hit Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm last month, brought torrential rain as it swept through the Southeast, leaving over 200 dead across several states. The mountainous regions between western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee were hit especially hard, with floodwaters demolishing homes, roads, and isolating entire communities for days.

A large-scale response from federal, state, and National Guard teams has been mobilized to assist in recovery efforts. Governor Cooper reported some progress, noting that power outages have decreased from one million immediately after the storm to just under 13,000. Meanwhile, around 580 roads remain closed, down from 1,200 at the height of the disaster.

However, Governor Cooper acknowledged the long road ahead, particularly as colder weather approaches. Many residents displaced by floodwaters are still in need of shelter and basic resources. He also highlighted the continued challenges of restoring clean water in affected areas.

During the briefing, Governor Cooper also addressed the spread of misinformation regarding the storm response. He debunked rumors about FEMA seizing land and alleged withholding of aid from conservative communities in the state. He emphasized that 77,000 people had been approved for FEMA’s individual assistance program, with over $99 million in aid distributed.

Misinformation has even led to threats against FEMA workers. One man was arrested on Saturday after allegedly threatening federal responders, prompting FEMA to temporarily scale back its door-to-door aid efforts.

Governor Cooper criticized political figures, including Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is running for governor, for spreading false information. He expressed concern that such misinformation could deter residents from seeking help and erode trust in government assistance programs.

“This is happening in the middle of an election, where candidates are exploiting people’s suffering for political gain, and it’s wrong,” Cooper said. “We should be coming together to support the people of western North Carolina, not sowing division with lies.”

Lt. Gov. Robinson has not commented on his claims about the recovery efforts. After the news conference, he posted on social media, accusing Governor Cooper of refusing to cooperate with those outside “his political machine.”

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell echoed Governor Cooper’s sentiments, calling the hostility toward federal responders “heartbreaking” and emphasizing the need for unity during such a critical time.