Hurricane Helene’s Death Toll Keeps Climbing. Here Are 6 of the Most Important Things to Know Right Now

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell tells PEOPLE Helene was “a unique storm,” that brought “different types of threats” to different areas across the U.S. South

Rescue and recovery efforts are in full swing across the six states significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene as the death toll continues to rise following a storm that caught some off guard.

The impacts of the storm, which made landfall on Thursday, Sept. 26, as a Category 4 hurricane, took many people by surprise — especially those in inland areas that faced significant flash flooding — despite days of warnings from forecasters.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell tells PEOPLE Helene was “a unique storm,” delivering “different types of threats” to different areas — from “historic” storm surge in Florida to devastating flash floods in North Carolina.

But according to Criswell, it was difficult for forecasters to predict exactly how some areas, like those living in Appalachia, would be impacted by Helene due to how unpredictable flash flooding can be.

“You don’t get a lot of notice with these immediate flash flood warnings,” she says, But, she adds, until rain begins to fall, “it’s really hard to predict exactly which part of the communities are going to face the worst of it.”

Now, countless communities across southern portions of the United States are picking up the pieces from Helene. Some states have moved into recovery efforts, while search and rescue efforts continue elsewhere.

Here are some of the most important things to know about the storm and its aftermath:

How many people have died from Helene?

As of Tuesday, Oct. 1, the death toll for the storm has surpassed 150 people across six states, according to the Associated Press. Nearly half of the deaths occurred in North Carolina.

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Elsewhere, 33 people have died in South Carolina, according to FOX affiliate WJZY and NBC affiliate WFMB, while Georgia’s death toll remains unchanged from Monday, Sept. 30, when Gov. Brian Kemp announced 25 people had died.

Another 15 people died in Florida, 36 people died in Tennessee and two died in Virginia, according to CNN and the AP.

How many people are missing after Helene?

It remains unclear just how many people are missing in the six states significantly impacted by Helene. As of Monday, Sept. 30, local officials an estimated 600 people could be missing in Buncombe County, North Carolina alone.

One reason many people remain unaccounted for, Criswell says, is a lack of communications caused by the storm, which wiped out internet and cell phone access in several areas.

The Red Cross has set up a website to help reunite friends and families following the Helene.

Related: Deputy Didn't Return from Lunch After Hurricane Helene. His Body Was Found in River the Next Day

What does travel look like in Appalachia?

Conditions are improving in some areas, but many are still in disrepair.

At one point after the storm, all roads in western North Carolina — including Interstate 40, a major roadway connecting North Carolina and Tennessee — were “considered closed” by the state’s Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

At about 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, government officials announced that I-40 East out of Buncombe County had reopened after a portion of the road was washed away in the storm.

However, portions of 1-40 and I-26 are expected to be closed for an extended period of time as crews address the damage caused by Helene, according to NBC affiliate WCNC.

How are states recovering after Helene?

Each of the six states impacted by Helene is in a different phase of recovery, Criswell tells PEOPLE. Florida and Georiga have completed the life-saving phase of their response, and have moved on to recovery efforts.

Portions of South Carolina and Tennessee are still facing flood risks due to high river levels, she adds. Meanwhile, an “active rescue mission” is still ongoing in North Carolina as some communities remain “isolated because of the damage to roads.”

Criswell tells PEOPLE resources have been moving into affected areas “continuously” as government officials work to identify the areas still in need. Helicopters have been used to help deliver supplies such as food and water to “isolated communities.”

“It’s going to be ongoing and we’re going to sustain this for as long as its needed,” she explains.

Related: Florida Student, 21, Goes Viral Documenting How She Sheltered on Campus from Hurricane Helene

What kind of help is being offered?

Resources for those impacted by Helene are pouring into affected communities.

Criswell tells PEOPLE that staging centers were stocked with “a significant amount of food, water, blankets, tarps, infant and toddler kits” and more ahead of the storm. Now, those supplies are being delivered to those in need.

But predicting exactly which parts of Appalachia would be impacted by the storm was tricky, Criswell says. So federal emergency responders “staged resources centrally” so they could be moved into the proper states the impacts of the storm became clear.

Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced in a post on X that the state had “dispatched a convoy” of staff and heavy equipment — “including 7,500 feet of temporary bridges” — from Florida’s Department of Transportation “to help North Carolina with damage assessments and roadway repairs.”

Additionally, those who live in states impacted by Helene are encouraged to contact their insurance companies, and document the damage caused to their property, Criswell tells PEOPLE. They can also register for FEMA assistance if they live in one of the declared states, she adds.

Related: Determined Dad Treks Nearly 30 Miles Through Hurricane Debris to Be at Daughter's Wedding

What safety concerns remain?

Criswell tells PEOPLE “there is still a lot of risks out there” in the areas impacted by Helene.

Among these hazards, she says, are downed trees and power lines and dangerous debris. High river levels in states like South Carolina and Tennessee also pose a danger to those recovering from the storm.

Criswell warns those in these areas to continue to exercise caution as recovery efforts persist.

“People just need to be cognizant,” she explains. “They need to be aware of their surroundings. They need to look out for each other and just know that the risks after a storm can be as dangerous as the risks during the storm, and to just be careful.”

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