Hurricane Helene wreaks havoc across Asheville, NC; National Guard deployed, 119 rescued

As the death toll continues to rise across the Southern states, first aid and assistance to those suffering from Hurricane Helene are rolling in across the country. 

As of Sunday morning, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) activated more than 500 soldiers and airmen and more than 200 vehicles and aircraft, including hoist and emergency aviation assets as well as high-water response vehicles.

The NCNG reported that it completed 16 air missions, resulting in the rescue of 119 citizens and 11 pets.

"Our National Guard air assets have identified people on the ground, and utilized social media and emergency calls to locate, identify, and evacuate citizens in Western North Carolina," the NCNG wrote in an update on X.