Helene’s death count in North Carolina is by no means final. But Lau was one of dozens known to have been killed after the hurricane’s powerful remnants reached Western North Carolina, with more fatal tragedies yet to be reported or even discovered.

President Joe Biden is planning to survey the devastation in the mountains of Western North Carolina on Wednesday, where exhausted emergency workers continue to work around-the-clock to clear roads, restore power and cellphone service,

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s destruction in Western North Carolina, concerns have emerged about whether residents affected by the storm will be able to cast their ballots in the November election.