Helene in NC | Cleanup underway in western NC after flooding, mudslides; thousands without power near Asheville [Video]

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Rescue and recovery efforts are underway in the western part of North Carolina.

Over a foot of rain fell across much of the region in the past several days, setting the stage for an unfolding disaster as Helene moved through as a tropical storm Friday morning. There was severe flooding and mudslides.

Buncombe County reported 30 people were killed due to the storm, pushing the overall death toll to at least 84 people across several states, during a press conference on Sunday. It was not clear whether the numbers he cited overlap with 11 deaths confirmed by the state. Telephone, cellphone, and internet outages make it difficult for authorities to notify families of victims.

“This is the most significant natural disaster that any one of us has ever seen in western North Carolina,” Ryan Cole, Buncombe County assistant emergency services director, said.

WATCH: Buncombe County officials give update on Helene recovery efforts