(WGHP) — Thirty people lost their lives in Buncombe County, North Carolina, as Helene cut through the western part of the state, the Associated Press reports. According to CBS News, 46 people ranging in age from 4 to 75 were killed in North Carolina in total. This comes just hours after Gov. Roy Cooper had announced that the toll had risen to 11 during a Sunday afternoon news conference, adding, “and, tragically, we know there will be more.” "Our prayers and condolences go out to those families in this terrible time,” Cooper said Two of those deaths were deputies were with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, killed in "raging flood waters," according to the N.C. Sheriff’s Association. "We ask that you keep the families, friends, and colleagues of these deputies as well as the entirety of Western North Carolina in your thoughts and prayers during this unfathomable and difficult time," the sheriff's association said in a statement. Helene brought 10-29 inches of rain across the North Carolina mountains, causing "life-threatening floods and landslides," according to the governor. In addition to hundreds of local first responders, more than 45 search-and-rescue teams are responding in western North Carolina, including teams from Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Delaware, Michigan, Alabama, Connecticut and Wisconsin as well as federal search-and-rescue assets, according to North Carolina Emergency Management Director William Ray. More than 500 North Carolina National Guard members with close to 200 vehicles have been deployed. These teams together have rescued hundreds of people. More than 1,000 people have taken refuge in 24 shelters, the governor said. Anyone who needs help is encouraged to call 211 or visit ReadyNC.gov. The state's top priority is getting drinkable water to people in affected areas. Close to 70,000 households have been impacted by the closure of seven water plants across Avery, Burke, Haywood, Jackson, Rutherford, Watauga and Yancey counties. 17 water plants have no power, and 23 are on backup power. "North Carolina DHHS is also reminding North Carolinians in western North Carolina that drinking water may not be safe to drink from municipal sources or well water," Ray said. "Flooding damages infrastructure and wells with contaminants. Only use bottled, boiled or treated water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene in impacted areas." Boil water advisories have been issued for 50 communities across western North Carolina. The CDC has a guide on how to render water safe. Due to the difficulty traveling through much of western North Carolina by land due extensive road closures, officials are airlifting food and water to affected area. Mass feeding sites have opened. Western North Carolina is struggling with communications problems, and, while service is returning in some others, others may be without for multiple days. Cellphone providers are working to repair damaged equipment and implement stopgap measures. At peak, more than a million North Carolinians were without power. As of Sunday afternoon, that number was down to 464,000. Emergency officials are asking the public to only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.   Travel warning Officials warn the public not to travel to western North Carolina. "Please stay off western North Carolina roads so that emergency responders, utility crews and desperately needed supplies can get through," Cooper said. "We don't need people visiting western North Carolina viewing the damage." As of Saturday, there were about 390 roads and dozens of main highways closed due to flooding, downed trees, landslides and storm damage. Interstate 26, south of Asheville, is open, but it was the only major thoroughfare open as of Saturday evening. Emergency management and transportation workers are working to reopen roads as soon as possible and rush in emergency supplies. The N.C. Department of Transportation is prioritizing work to reopen interstates, U.S. and state highways before getting to secondary routes, but the department also is working with utility companies and local emergency officials to find alternative routes and to assist in maintaining access to shelters and restoring power.  Contacting loved ones Anyone trying to connect with family members can call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from outside the state) to report missing loved ones. People in the impacted areas can indicate they are safe by checking in on Facebook crisis response or reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800- ED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Federal funding available to those affected Pres. Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina, making federal funding available to affected people in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The help can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Individuals and business owners who suffered losses in the designated areas can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. How you can help FOX8 is partnering with The Salvation Army for Hurricane Helene relief. According to the Salvation Army's website, the organization is ready to provide "emergency aid, food, drinks, emotional and spiritual care, and long-term recovery services to survivors and rescue workers." You can donate using the blue button below. 100% of your donation will go towards Hurricane Helene relief. Donate to support Hurricane Helene relief here