Hurricane Helene Leaves Nearly 100 Dead and Millions Without Power

Hurricane Helene has resulted in nearly 100 deaths across six states, with substantial flooding affecting communities, particularly in North Carolina. Over 2 million homes remain without power, most notably in South Carolina. FEMA and state officials continue rescue efforts amidst a significant number of individuals unaccounted for, while former President Trump plans to assess the ongoing recovery efforts.

Hurricane Helene has left a devastating impact across six states, with nearly 100 reported fatalities and many still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue. As of Sunday night, the death toll reached 91, with authorities indicating that this figure may increase as they work diligently to locate individuals who are missing. North Carolina’s Buncombe County has been particularly affected, reporting at least 30 deaths as flooding isolated the city of Asheville. Governor Roy Cooper described the situation as an ‘unprecedented tragedy,’ highlighting the impassable roads due to floods and landslides. Georgia has reported 17 storm-related deaths, while South Carolina’s toll stands at 25. The aftermath of the storm has left over 2 million homes and businesses without power, with South Carolina being the hardest hit, experiencing more than 755,000 outages. Georgia follows with over 580,000 power interruptions, and North Carolina reports approximately 458,000 outages. Additionally, over 133,000 cuts were registered in Florida, alongside another 100,000 in Virginia. FEMA Chief Deanne Criswell acknowledged the historic flooding in North Carolina, stating, ‘I do not know that anybody could be fully prepared for the amount of flooding and landslides that they are experiencing right now, but we have had teams in there for several days.’ Although Hurricane Helene has largely dissipated, the National Weather Service cautions about potential excessive rainfall in the Central Appalachians, which could exacerbate the already saturated conditions and lead to localized flash flooding. As recovery efforts continue, Buncombe County officials reported that at least 600 individuals were missing as of Sunday, a decrease from 1,000 reported the previous day. Authorities consider it likely that many of those unaccounted for are safe, hindered in communication by power outages and interrupted cell service. In related developments, former President Donald Trump plans to visit Valdosta, Georgia, on Monday to assess the damage and assist in coordinating relief supplies. He has criticized the federal response to the hurricane at a recent rally. Vice President Kamala Harris also addressed the issue at her rally in Las Vegas, confirming that she received a briefing on the situation from FEMA officials. Both President Biden and Vice President Harris intend to visit the affected areas when feasible to avoid disrupting ongoing emergency responses.

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a significant natural disaster that has resulted in catastrophic flooding and widespread destruction across multiple states. Known for causing unprecedented weather events, hurricanes like Helene can lead to devastating outcomes including loss of life, property damage, and infrastructure challenges. The aftermath typically necessitates immediate response from federal and local agencies to facilitate rescue efforts and restore power, while also addressing the larger implications on vulnerable communities.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene highlights the severe impact of natural disasters on human safety and infrastructure. With rising death tolls and millions without power, swift rescue and recovery efforts are crucial. The ongoing situation underscores the need for preparedness and effective response strategies during such catastrophic events. The potential for further rainfall poses additional risks, necessitating vigilance from both authorities and residents in heavily affected regions.

Original Source: www.forbes.com