Rescuers scour North Carolina mountains for survivors cut off by Hurricane Helene

FILE PHOTO: Fire and Rescue members set up a ladder to go down on Broad River riverbank, following the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Bat Cave, North Carolina, U.S., September 30, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (Reuters) -Search-and-rescue teams who have already saved hundreds of people scoured the mountains of western North Carolina for more survivors on Tuesday, working amid washed-out roads, smashed bridges and felled power lines following Hurricane Helene.

The storm has killed at least 162 people in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, CNN reported, citing state and local officials, and the death toll is expected to rise once rescue teams reach isolated towns and telecommunications are restored.