Omar Khan Missing: The community of Asheville, North Carolina, is rallying together in hopes of locating Omar Khan, a 44-year-old local pharmacist, who has gone missing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The powerful storm has left a trail of devastation across the Southeast, with many areas still struggling to recover. Omar, along with many others, has not been seen or heard from since the hurricane struck.
Impact of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene is being called the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland in over two decades. As of Friday, the hurricane’s destructive path has resulted in at least 213 confirmed deaths across six states, and the number of people reported missing continues to rise. North Carolina has been particularly hard-hit, with Buncombe County reporting the highest number of casualties and missing persons.
Omar Khan’s Disappearance
Omar Khan was last seen at his home in Asheville before floodwaters from the hurricane began inundating the area. His family and friends have been frantically searching for him ever since, but communication and accessibility have been significantly hindered due to persistent cellular service issues and washed-out roads.
Efforts to Locate the Missing
Local authorities, alongside FEMA and other rescue organizations, are working tirelessly to reach isolated areas and provide assistance to those affected. The search for Omar and other missing persons is ongoing, but the challenging conditions make it difficult to access certain parts of the county.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous inquiries from concerned family members and friends of the missing. Sheriff Quentin Miller stated that more than 200 people were unaccounted for as of Thursday night, with North Carolina’s death toll rising to 106.
Community Support and How to Help
If anyone has information on Omar Khan’s whereabouts or has seen him since the hurricane, they are urged to contact local authorities immediately. Additionally, volunteers and those with the means to assist in the search and rescue efforts are encouraged to reach out to local emergency services.
During this heartbreaking time, the thoughts and prayers of the Asheville community are with Omar’s family and the families of all those who are missing. As the search continues, the hope remains that they will be reunited with their loved ones soon.