Hurricane Helene Becomes Deadliest Storm Since Katrina, with Death…

Hurricane Helene has become the deadliest storm in the United States since Hurricane Katrina, resulting in at least 182 fatalities across six southeastern states, mainly in North Carolina. Rescue efforts face challenges due to power outages affecting hundreds of thousands. Investigations into the causes of fatalities, especially in workplaces, are underway. Studies indicate that climate change significantly contributed to the storm’s severity, highlighting a pressing need for awareness regarding environmental impacts on natural disasters.

Hurricane Helene has now been registered as the deadliest storm in the United States since Hurricane Katrina, with confirmed fatalities totaling 182 across six states in the southeastern region. North Carolina accounts for the majority of these tragic losses due to severe flooding and landslides, while fatalities were also reported in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, officials anticipate that the death toll may rise, particularly in North Carolina, where power outages affect nearly half a million residents. Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall cautioned that preliminary data suggests there could be as many as 600 individuals either lost or unaccounted for, although confirmation is needed. President Joe Biden visited Raleigh, North Carolina, to meet with first responders and victims, underscoring the bipartisan cooperation between state leaders in addressing the disaster. Notably, Biden emphasized the increasing impact of climate change, stating that storms are intensifying. The destruction has been pronounced in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with communities, such as Asheville, suffering significant losses. This storm has drawn comparisons to historical hurricanes, as it has resulted in at least 57 deaths in North Carolina alone. Additionally, reports have emerged detailing heartbreaking incidents, such as the death of an elderly couple crushed in their home by a fallen tree. Investigations are ongoing in Tennessee regarding a plastics factory that tragically led to 11 employees being swept away by floodwaters. The storm made landfall in Florida before moving up the coast, generating a devastating 15-foot storm surge and heavy rainfall, leading to unprecedented flooding in various locations. Recent studies have shown that human-driven climate change has exacerbated the severity of Hurricane Helene, contributing to increased rainfall and wind strength, a phenomenon confirmed by scientific analysis. The head of FEMA remarked that the extensive flooding and infrastructural damage witnessed were a direct result of the ongoing climate emergency. This catastrophic event serves as a poignant reminder of the growing risks posed by climate change and the critical need for preparedness and resilience against natural disasters.

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall last week in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm, has become a significant event in the context of climate-related disasters. As the second deadliest hurricane since Hurricane Katrina, its repercussions have profoundly affected multiple states, particularly North Carolina, which is experiencing extreme flooding and landslides. This storm exemplifies the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events linked to climate change, with recent studies indicating that human activities are intensifying such storms.

In summary, Hurricane Helene has tragically marked a record of fatalities since Hurricane Katrina, primarily affecting North Carolina and surrounding states. The ongoing recovery efforts are hindered by extensive damage, power outages, and the potential for an increased death toll. The storm’s intensity and impact underscore the urgent need for awareness and action regarding climate change and disaster preparedness.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk