Hurricane Helene updates: Death toll surpasses 230 as rescue efforts continue

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper provided an update Saturday afternoon on the ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

As of 4 p.m., more than 200 people have been rescued from flood waters, he said. North Carolina first responders are being aided by crews from 19 other states and the federal government, according to Cooper.

"This is a historic and catastrophic storm for Western North Carolina and I’m grateful to first responders working right now to save lives and evacuate residents," he said in a statement.

Some areas in the mountain region saw as much as 29 inches of rain, the governor said. More than 700,000 people remain without power.

"We’re bringing in needed supplies by air," Cooper said.

Emergency management teams in Rutherford County, North Carolina, started an air rescue operation Saturday afternoon to evacuate residents from Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village.

Those airlifted will be taken to RS Central High School for further assistance, officials said.

"As soon as we receive the names of those rescued, we will make every effort to reach out to families and individuals who have inquired about their loved ones," officials said in a statement.

-ABC News' Jason Volack

Swift water rescues are ongoing in Buncombe County, North Carolina, which encompasses Asheville, officials said.

Water rescue teams have conducted more than 130 missions so far, county emergency services director Taylor Jones said. Many roads in the area are impassable and major rivers remain at flood stage, Jones said.

"We are in the midst of the most significant natural disaster in our community," county manager Avril Pinder said.

Pinder urged residents to remain patient as crews work to restore cell service and power, and she asked people to avoid non-emergency calls to 911.

"Our dispatchers are overwhelmed with life-safety emergencies," Pinder said.

1:25

North Carolina first responders carry out dozens of rescues from flooding

First responders in North Carolina rescued more than 100 people on Friday with many trapped in their homes from flooding.

ABCNews.com

-ABC News’ Jason Volack

President Joe Biden said in a statement that he is "deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation" caused by Hurricane Helene.

"As the storm continues to track north, Vice President [Kamala] Harris and I remain focused on life-saving and life-sustaining response and recovery efforts," Biden said.

He also said that he will be with affected Americans "every step of the way" during recovery efforts.

"We will make certain that no resource is spared to ensure that families, businesses, schools, hospitals, and entire communities can quickly begin their road to rebuilding," Biden said.

-ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart