Rutherford County Hurricane Daily Briefing - October 3, 2024, 11:00 AM
Rutherford County Hurricane Daily Briefing:
10-03-04, 11:00 AM
The Rutherford County Emergency Operations Center has transitioned from Rescue to Recovery Stage.
FEMA:
FEMA officials arrived on Wednesday and will remain in the county throughout the recovery effort. They serve as the primary link for federal resources in Rutherford County. Their current priority is addressing critical, life-sustaining needs. Once life-saving efforts are complete, they will focus on disaster survivor assistance. Rutherford County has been classified as a top priority by FEMA.
STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES:
• Swift Water Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Teams from New York, Michigan, and Pamlico County, NC.
• Three Ambulance Strike Teams supporting medical needs from Eastern NC.
• Helicopter Search and Rescue operations conducted by NC Emergency Management, the NC, SC, and VA National Guards, the US Coast Guard, Highway Patrol, and NCHART (North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Air Rescue Team).
• National Guard Chinook helicopters delivering supplies to aid the community.
• NC State Bureau of Investigation
• FBI specialized team to contact missing persons.
MISSING PERSONS:
Determining the exact number of unaccounted-for residents remains challenging due to duplicate requests received through email, social media, and 911 calls. To date, over 1,000 messages have been received, with many individuals reconnecting with loved ones but not notifying authorities. A team from the EOC, working alongside a specialized FBI unit, has made significant progress, accounting for approximately 500 individuals. They are actively conducting welfare checks and cross-referencing emergency shelter lists while continuing to receive new missing person reports. These efforts are being conducted countywide, with special emphasis on the Chimney Rock and Lake Lure areas. To report a missing person, please email EOC@rutherfordcountync.gov.
DEATH COUNT: 2
EVACUATIONS:
Due to the high volume of rescue efforts on Friday and Saturday, exact evacuation numbers were unavailable. However, once debris was cleared from the main bridge into Chimney Rock, 50-60 people self-evacuated immediately. 135 individuals have been through the emergency shelter, but only approximately 30 people remain in the shelter.
BIGGEST NEEDS IN THE COUNTY:
• Non-perishable food and water supplies for distribution.
• Re-establishment of cell service, which is vital for emergency communications, resource coordination, and locating missing persons.
• Critical need for power restoration in the county:
o Duke Energy: 17,302 customers without power
o Rutherford Electric: 3,832 customers without power
o Forest City Electric: restored 99% of all customers. Working on restoring power for Bostic customers today
o Chimney Rock and Lake Lure will be without power for an extended period. Estimations are not yet available.
VOLUNTEERS:
To support disaster recovery efforts, please email volunteer@rutherfordcountync.gov.
EMERGENCY FOOD/SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTION CENTERS:
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For donation-related questions, call 828-278-8920.
• Florence Baptist Church: 201 S Broadway St, Forest City, NC 28043
• Rutherford County Health Department: 221 Callahan Koon Rd, Spindale, NC 28160
• Thomas Jefferson High School: 2527 US-221A Hwy, Mooresboro, NC 28114
• Gilkey Church of God: 255 Oak Springs Rd, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
EMERGENCY SHELTER:
Located at RS Central High School, 641 US-221, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.
RESIDENTS IN LAKE LURE AND CHIMNEY ROCK: Residents are permitted to return to their homes but must present proof of residency at designated checkpoints. Access across the bridge into Chimney Rock is strictly prohibited, with the sole exception of residents living on Boys Camp Road, who will be allowed to return to their properties.
DRINKING WATER:
Broad River Water Authority and the Town of Forest City have evaluated and confirmed that the water is safe for drinking.
MONETARY DONATIONS:
Visit www.unitedwayofrutherford.org to make a tax-deductible donation designated for Rutherford County.
HOME DAMAGE:
If your home has been damaged and you need assistance with clean-up, contact Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386 for support from volunteer organizations.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Direct all media inquiries to the Emergency Operations Center’s Public Information Officer at kerry.giles@rutherfordcountync.gov.
