Hurricane Helene Claims Nearly 100 Lives as Millions Remain Powerless

Hurricane Helene has resulted in close to 100 fatalities and left over 2 million homes without power. The death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue in affected states, particularly North Carolina, which is experiencing historic flooding and significant challenges in recovery. Former President Trump, alongside federal officials, is engaged in relief operations amid these ongoing crises.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has resulted in nearly 100 fatalities across six states, a number that is anticipated to increase as rescue and recovery operations progress. As of Sunday evening, the Associated Press reported a death toll of 91, with hundreds of individuals still unaccounted for. Among the reported fatalities, Buncombe County in North Carolina has seen the highest losses, tallying at least 30 deaths due to significant flooding that has left the city of Asheville isolated. In a press briefing, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper characterized the situation as an ‘unprecedented tragedy,’ indicating that many residents are stranded due to impassable roads caused by flooding and landslides. The storm has also claimed 17 lives in Georgia, while South Carolina confirmed 25 deaths as of the latest updates. Over 2 million homes and businesses remain without power following the hurricane’s impact. South Carolina has the greatest number of outages, exceeding 755,000 customers without electricity, followed by Georgia with more than 580,000 and North Carolina with approximately 458,000 affected. Florida and Virginia also reported significant outages, with 133,000 and 100,000, respectively. Although Hurricane Helene has largely dissipated, the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center has warned of potential excessive rainfall in the already-drenched Central Appalachians, raising concerns of localized flash flooding in vulnerable areas. In Buncombe County, officials report that approximately 600 individuals are still missing, a decrease from 1,000 reported the previous day. In Tennessee, about 153 individuals remain unaccounted for; however, authorities express optimism that many may be safe but currently unreachable due to power outages and disrupted communication services. Former President Donald Trump is set to visit Valdosta, Georgia, to receive updates on the hurricane’s destruction and to oversee the distribution of relief supplies. His campaign has stated that he will address the hurricane response efforts in light of the federal government’s actions. Vice President Kamala Harris has also been engaged with the situation, receiving briefings from FEMA officials, while both President Biden and Ms. Harris are expected to visit affected areas when it is logistically feasible.

Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across several southern states, leading to the tragic loss of lives and significant property damage. The storm caused unprecedented flooding, particularly in areas such as Buncombe County, North Carolina, and prompted extensive rescue operations due to the vast number of individuals who remain unaccounted for. The government and emergency management agencies are currently mobilizing their resources to address the devastation and provide necessary aid to affected populations, highlighting the ongoing challenges presented by such natural disasters.

The devastation from Hurricane Helene is severe, with nearly 100 reported deaths and over 2 million homes still experiencing power outages. As rescue operations continue, the death toll may rise, underscoring the tragic impact of the storm. Efforts are underway from federal agencies and local authorities to assist those affected and navigate the extensive recovery process.

Original Source: www.forbes.com