Death Toll From Hurricane Helene Rises to Nearly 100
Hurricane Helene has caused significant devastation in the southeastern United States, leading to nearly 100 deaths and leaving many areas without power and basic necessities. Resilience efforts are underway, but rebuilding will be challenging as flooding has drastically impacted daily life. President Biden has announced federal assistance, and local officials are working to provide support to affected communities.
Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across the southeastern United States, leading to a rising death toll that has approached 100 individuals. On Monday, officials in Asheville, North Carolina, acknowledged the dire need for essential supplies as the storm left many areas devoid of power and cellular service. As of the latest reports, at least 91 fatalities were confirmed across multiple states, with North Carolina’s Buncombe County—including Asheville—accounting for 30 of those tragic losses. In light of the ongoing crisis, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper cautioned that the death toll is expected to rise further, as emergency workers venture into regions hindered by collapsed infrastructure and severe flooding. Efforts to deliver necessary supplies to Asheville are underway, with Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder affirming that assistance will reach the city shortly. “We hear you. We need food and we need water,” remarked Pinder during a press briefing. Reconstruction in the wake of the storm is anticipated to be a lengthy process, as flooding has significantly altered daily life across the Southeast. In total, there have been confirmed deaths in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, while search and rescue operations intensify, involving over 50 teams across the region. President Joe Biden has characterized the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene as “stunning” and has committed to visiting the affected areas within the week, provided that such a visit does not impede ongoing rescue efforts. The hurricane made landfall late Thursday in Florida’s Big Bend region as a formidable Category 4 storm, subsequently moving through Georgia before unleashing relentless rains upon the Carolinas and Tennessee, resulting in widespread flooding and significant rescue operations, including airlifting hospital patients in East Tennessee. As authorities struggle to restore power, which has affected more than 2 million customers, South Carolina has experienced the highest number of outages. Governor Henry McMaster urged residents to remain patient as repair crews work to restore services. The storm’s heavy rainfall, particularly in North Carolina, has precipitated what is believed to be the worst flooding in a century, with some areas receiving over two feet of rain. Tragic accounts of individuals stranded by the floodwaters reveal the storm’s profound impact. Jessica Drye Turner of Texas shared a heart-wrenching story about her family’s plea for rescue, ultimately resulting in the loss of her parents and nephew, who succumbed when their rooftop refuge collapsed under the pressure of the rising water. As federal aid is directed towards the affected counties, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell noted that efforts to locate and assist those still missing remain a priority. Furthermore, Biden has approved a disaster declaration for North Carolina, facilitating federal funding for recovery efforts. In Florida, communities are slowly recovering as churches and local organizations mobilize to support those in need. The financial toll of Hurricane Helene is anticipated to range between $15 billion to $26 billion in property damages, attributed to both the direct impact of the storm and the prolonged power outages disrupting normal services. As meteorological authorities track new developments, including the formation of a tropical depression in the eastern Atlantic, concerns over further weather events loom on the horizon.
Hurricane Helene, which struck the southeastern United States, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of natural disasters. As intense storms become more frequent and severe due to climate change, understanding the implications of such catastrophic events is crucial for prepared responses and recovery efforts. The damage from Helene has impacted various states, leading to significant fatalities and widespread destruction.
In summary, Hurricane Helene has tragically claimed close to 100 lives across multiple states, precipitating a humanitarian crisis in areas such as Asheville, North Carolina. Emergency services are actively working to restore order and provide essential supplies to those affected. Federal and state officials are prioritizing recovery efforts and addressing the urgent needs of the displaced. As communities begin to heal, the anticipated economic impact highlights the need for ongoing support and infrastructure resilience in the face of future natural disasters.
Original Source: time.com
