Massive rains from the powerful storm Helene left people stranded, without shelter and awaiting rescue around the U.S. Southeast.

The Southeast grappled Sunday with rising death tolls, a lack of vital supplies in isolated, flood-stricken areas, and the widespread loss of homes and property while the devastating toll of Hurricane Helene became more clear and officials warned of a lengthy and difficult rebuild.

Federal and state officials are rushing to airlift supplies to battered mountain communities in western North Carolina, where the storm left behind damaged water systems, washed-out roads and downed power lines.