ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — (12 p.m.) – An air rescue is underway for residents in the Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Village area, according to Rutherford County Emergency Management. The emergency management says it has successfully secured several air rescue resources for air transport citizens.

After evacuation, individuals will be taken to RS Central High School where they will receive further assistance.

“Please note that mobile and telephone communications in the region are currently extremely limited. We understand the concern and uncertainty this may cause and politely ask for your patience as these rescue efforts will take time,” the post read in part. “Once we receive the names of those rescued, we will make every effort to reach families and individuals who have inquired about their loved ones. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated during this challenging time.”

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(10 a.m.) – Buncombe County leaders provided an update on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina Saturday morning, and Buncombe County Emergency Services Director Taylor Jones said, “We have suffered fatalities.”

Jones said officials were not prepared to provide further details about the deaths and how they occurred.

“We are not prepared to release all of this information at this time. We will make a statement at a later date. We need to notify our loved ones first,” Jones said.

LIVE UPDATES: Evacuation orders, FLASH flood emergencies due to Helene

Hurricane Helene raged through western North Carolina overnight Thursday and through the morning Friday, bringing heavy rain and hurricane-force winds that toppled trees on power lines and left most of the region without power. Residents not only lost power, but also internet and cell service.

Jones said the 911 call center received 556 calls Friday and emergency personnel performed 130 water rescues.

“Communication was a big challenge. We need to focus on life-saving emergency calls at this time,” he said.

Jones said many people were on the streets, preventing staff from getting to where they needed to be and also trying to restore power.

LIVE UPDATES: MUCH OF WNC REMAINS IN DARK AS OUTAGES CONTINUE THE DAY AFTER HELENE

“We still have severe flooding. I saw many people near the rivers, even children playing near the rivers. Stay out of the water,” Jones said. “The water is dirty and it’s still dangerous.”

Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller said in the press conference that people need to be patient and let emergency responders do their jobs.

“We are a ‘we’ community and we will come through this stronger than we were before,” he said. “We ask the community to listen to the updates from local authorities. We also ask them to be kind to their neighbors. Help those you can. We will get through this.”

Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson said the safety of students and staff is paramount. He also announced in the briefing that Buncombe County Schools would remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.