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

Hurricane Helene has resulted in at least 189 fatalities, making it the deadliest storm in the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. The storm caused catastrophic damage across several states, leading to massive power outages and prompting federal and state officials to mobilize military resources for recovery operations. President Biden has pledged support for affected communities as Congress is urged to take action for relief.

The devastation inflicted by Hurricane Helene has resulted in a confirmed death toll of at least 189 individuals, as reported by The Associated Press. This tragic loss makes Hurricane Helene the deadliest storm to impact the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. The catastrophic effects of the hurricane, including storm surge, significant wind damage, and inland flooding, have ravaged communities across several states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. As recovery operations persist across the Southeastern United States, President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have visited the affected areas to assess the damages and support ongoing rescue efforts. President Biden addressed a gathering in Raleigh, North Carolina, stating, “I am here to say the United States — the nation — has your back. We are not leaving till you are back on your feet completely.” Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region, represents the most potent hurricane to strike this area on record. As the region continues its recovery efforts, approximately 1.2 million residents remain without power, with South Carolina reporting the highest outages at over 484,410 customers, followed by North Carolina and Georgia with 343,632 and 354,418 outages, respectively. In light of the extensive devastation, President Biden announced the immediate deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist the North Carolina National Guard. These troops will aid in delivering essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine to isolated communities. The President emphasized, “These soldiers will speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies.” Moreover, a joint letter from Senate leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, urged Congress to convene and address the urgent needs arising from the storm’s aftermath, expressing a commitment to providing necessary relief legislation.

The article discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, detailing the severe destruction caused and the ongoing recovery efforts. It highlights the response from federal and state officials, including President Biden’s visit to the affected areas and the mobilization of military resources to aid recovery. The growing death toll and widespread power outages are emphasized, alongside legislative calls for support from Congress to provide relief for the victims.

In summary, Hurricane Helene has wrought unprecedented devastation across several states, resulting in a tragic loss of lives and significant infrastructural damage. Recovery efforts are underway, supported by military assistance and federal initiatives, while congressional leaders call for urgent legislative action to assist those affected. The commitment from the national leadership signifies a recognition of the storm’s unprecedented impact and the dire need for community recovery and restoration efforts.

Original Source: abc11.com