"I want to caution that this is not a definitive count, because the task force is continuing its work," North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said, adding that the number will fluctuate as new reports come in, according to NBC News.
The storm, which made landfall on Sept. 26, has claimed at least 118 lives in North Carolina, contributing to a total of 243 deaths across multiple states.
Severe flooding and landslides have isolated entire towns, complicating recovery efforts.
Cooper highlighted the dangers posed by misinformation that has incited threats against federal responders.
"The persistent and dangerous flow of misinformation breeds confusion and demoralizes storm survivors and response workers alike," he said.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned the hostility toward relief workers, saying: "It's heartbreaking to see words or active acts of hatred toward anyone, let alone federal responders."
She emphasized that misinformation will not deter FEMA’s mission to help those in need, as over 2,000 federal workers remain committed to recovery efforts in the state.
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