Hurricane Helene Claims Nearly 100 Lives, Leaves Millions Without Power and Urgent Recovery Efforts Underway

Hurricane Helene has caused nearly 100 deaths across six states, with severe flooding in North Carolina leading to isolated communities and a significant number of missing persons. More than 2 million homes and businesses are without power, with ongoing rescue efforts in place. FEMA has described the event as historic, highlighting challenges in response. Former President Trump plans to visit the disaster areas for relief efforts, while both President Biden and Vice President Harris are expected to visit once it is safe.

The destructive aftermath of Hurricane Helene has resulted in nearly 100 fatalities across six states, as authorities warn that this number may increase during ongoing rescue and recovery operations. Reports indicate that as of Sunday evening, the death toll reached 91, with many individuals remaining unaccounted for. In North Carolina’s Buncombe County, which experienced severe flooding, at least 30 people have died, and the city of Asheville has been rendered isolated. Governor Roy Cooper described the situation as an “unprecedented tragedy,” noting that many residents are stranded due to impassable roads caused by floods and landslides. Georgia has confirmed 17 storm-related deaths, while South Carolina reports 25 fatalities. The outage of utilities is widespread, with over 2 million homes and businesses left without power, the majority of which are located in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell, addressing the flooding challenge, remarked, “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.” Despite Hurricane Helene dissipating, there remains a risk of excessive rainfall in the already saturated Central Appalachians, which could trigger localized flash floods. Authorities have reported that approximately 600 individuals remain missing in Buncombe County, significantly reduced from an earlier estimate of 1,000. In Tennessee, 153 individuals are also unaccounted for. Many of these missing persons are suspected to be safe but unreachable due to power outages and limited cell service. Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Valdosta, Georgia, to assess the hurricane’s impact and facilitate the distribution of relief supplies. He has publicly criticized the federal response to the disaster, while Vice President Kamala Harris has assured that she is informed about the situation through FEMA briefings. Both President Biden and Vice President Harris plan to visit the affected regions when it is safely possible without hindering emergency relief efforts.

Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc on the southeastern United States, leading to catastrophic flooding and widespread devastation across multiple states. The hurricane made landfall as a severe storm, and its aftermath has now resulted in significant loss of life and property. Authorities are currently engaged in urgent rescue and recovery efforts to assist the victims and restore essential services. The impact has raised concerns about preparedness and response capabilities in the face of natural disasters of this magnitude.

In summary, Hurricane Helene has resulted in nearly 100 fatalities and left over 2 million individuals without power across six states. The situation remains critical, particularly in North Carolina, where historic flooding has isolated communities. As rescue efforts continue, the focus is on locating the missing individuals and restoring essential services. Government officials, including the former president and vice president, are actively involved in assessing the disaster and providing relief.

Original Source: www.forbes.com