As of Thursday, the death toll in the county had increased and water was still expected to take weeks to fully restore, officials said.

Relief efforts continue in Asheville and the Western North Carolina area where a major disaster due to Tropical Storm Helene has left communities devastated, roads impassable and thousands without power.

The Buncombe County Elections Office is sharing an update on its preparation for the Nov. 5 elections following severe damage and loss of life across the county. The office said that the safety of its staff is a top priority. The office is closed right now and has no water, phone service or internet.