Hurricane Helene has left a lasting impact on North Carolina, causing an estimated $53 billion in damages. The recent death toll has risen to 97, although there has been controversy as Buncombe County officials have retracted an earlier count, leading to an overestimation of deaths by 30. As efforts to recover continue, the search for the 26 missing individuals in the aftermath of the storm is ongoing. Governor Roy Cooper is actively seeking additional funding, requesting nearly $4 billion in aid to support recovery efforts, while the state legislature has approved an initial $604 million from reserves for relief initiatives. The devastation has forced many residents to live in tents where their homes once stood, highlighting the urgent need for critical infrastructure and long-term support. Local communities are mobilizing, with the NCCF establishing a Disaster Relief Fund aimed at supporting Western North Carolina in the months to come.