Gov. Roy Cooper announced in a release that rescue and recovery operations are continuing to take place in Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

"The catastrophic devastation to Western North Carolina is like nothing we have ever seen. Emergency responders are working around the clock coordinating rescues and getting resources to help people with their immediate needs as they work to save lives," Gov. Cooper said via the release.

Gov. Cooper said that as of 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, a confirmed 10 North Carolina residents have lost their lives due to Hurricane Helene. Since Thursday, Sept. 26, swift water and helicopter rescue crews have rescued over 200 people.

Despite the continuation of emergency efforts, communication and cell service issues persist in Western North Carolina. Cellular service and utilities are returning in some parts of Western North Carolina, but Gov. Cooper says it could be several more days before service is fully restored.

However, North Carolina residents who are trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 –or 1-888-892-1162if calling from another state – to report missing loved ones. Residents in impacted areas can also indicate their safety by checking in on Facebook's crisis response, or by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800- ED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

At this time, supplying drinkable water is a top priority for emergency crews in Western North Carolina. A total of seven water plants in Avery, Burke, Haywood, Jackson, Rutherford, Watauga and Yancey counties are closed, which is impacting nearly 70,000 households.

A total of 17 water plants have reported having no power and 23 say they are operating on backup power. There are also 50 boil water advisories currently enacted in Western North Carolina communities.

The North Carolina National Guard has deployed 410 troops and 146 vehicles, including high-water vehicles to help with rescues and transport residents to medical care.

As of Saturday evening, approximately 630,000 customers throughout the state still lacked power, with a majority of them being in Buncombe County.

As of Saturday, I-26 South of Asheville was opened, but it is the only major highway into the region due to significant damage to I-40 and other routes. State officials are urging people to avoid traveling anywhere in Western North Carolina unless absolutely necessary. This is due to the nearly 400 roads and dozens of main highways that remain closed due to flooding, downed trees, landslides or storm damage.

State officials say that waters are receding and most of therivers and tributaries that are far above the flood stage are expected to be back to near-normal levels by late Monday, Sept. 30.

Below is a list of statewide information and updates: