Latest information about relief efforts and how you can help

Relief efforts continue in Asheville and western North Carolina, where a major disaster caused by Tropical Storm Helene has devastated communities, left roads impassable and thousands without power. There were only estimates of the extent of the destruction on Tuesday evening; the full extent of the Helene devastation will probably only be known for some time.

Check back for live updates arriving throughout the day on Wednesday.

Over 4,500 federal rescue and relief workers are on their way to the areas devastated by Hurricane Helene. But U.S. prosecutors say another flood of people is on the way: charlatans, opportunists and disreputable contractors looking to exploit the storm’s victims.

Federal, state and local officials warned hurricane victims this week – especially those who are desperate – to beware of people who show up at their door or call them saying they want to help. According to experts, federal agencies and government warnings, defrauding hurricane victims and the Federal Emergency Management Agency itself is a multimillion-dollar industry for criminals.