Hurricane Helene’s Death Toll Rises to 189, Marking the Deadliest Storm Since Katrina

Hurricane Helene’s confirmed death toll has reached at least 189, marking it the deadliest storm in the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane has caused catastrophic flooding and damage across several states, with over 1.2 million customers still without power. President Biden is deploying active-duty soldiers to assist recovery efforts, while Congress is urged to reconvene to address the disaster’s aftermath.

The death toll resulting from Hurricane Helene has tragically risen to a confirmed total of at least 189 individuals, as reported by The Associated Press. This unfortunate milestone designates Helene as the deadliest hurricane to strike the continental United States since Hurricane Katrina. The storm’s impact was devastating, as it brought catastrophic storm surge, wind damage, and widespread inland flooding across several states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. As recovery efforts progressed throughout the Southeastern regions, President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, visited the affected areas on Wednesday to assess the damage and offer support as rescue teams continued their search for missing individuals. In his address to the residents of Raleigh, North Carolina, President Biden stated, “I am here to say the United States — the nation — has your back. We are not leaving until you are back on your feet completely.” Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region last Thursday as an unprecedented Category 4 hurricane, marking the strongest hurricane to affect the area historically. As recovery efforts continue, over 1.2 million customers remain without electricity across the South, with South Carolina experiencing over 484,410 outages, North Carolina facing over 343,632, and Georgia grappling with 354,418 without power. In light of the ongoing crisis, President Biden ordered the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to bolster the North Carolina National Guard’s efforts. This measure is aimed at expediting the delivery of essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine, to isolated communities in the state. President Biden emphasized the importance of these soldiers in facilitating this critical support, stating, “These soldiers will speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies of food, water, and medicine to isolated communities in North Carolina.” Moreover, Congress leaders from both political parties, including Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, issued a joint letter urging Congress to reconvene in October to address the extensive recovery needs arising from Hurricane Helene. They noted, “Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents.”

Hurricane Helene has emerged as one of the most devastating storms to impact the United States in recent history, with its death toll surpassing that of Hurricane Katrina, which previously held the record for the deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland U.S. This storm has not only claimed lives but has also caused extensive property damage and infrastructure challenges. The federal government, led by President Biden, is mobilizing resources and personnel to assist in recovery efforts, while state and federal officials emphasize the need for legislative support for rebuilding and recovery initiatives.

In conclusion, Hurricane Helene has proven to be a catastrophic event, resulting in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction across multiple states. Federal and state authorities are actively engaged in recovery operations, with assistance being provided to affected communities. Congressional leaders are also working collaboratively to ensure that necessary legislation is enacted to support recovery efforts, emphasizing the importance of providing aid to impacted individuals and families.

Original Source: abc11.com