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

Hurricane Helene has caused at least 189 fatalities, making it the deadliest storm since Katrina. The storm’s aftermath includes devastating flooding and extensive power outages across southern states. Federal officials, including President Biden, are coordinating recovery efforts, which include deploying active-duty military personnel to assist in relief operations. Bipartisan support within Congress is being sought to address the needs arising from the disaster.

The toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically reached at least 189 confirmed fatalities, making it the deadliest storm to impact the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. The Associated Press reported this somber statistic as of Wednesday evening. The devastation caused by the storm surge, high winds, and inland flooding has led to catastrophic conditions across several states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Many neighborhoods have been inundated, residents have been stranded, and homes have been destroyed. As efforts to recover from this disaster proceed, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have traveled to the affected regions to assess the damage. In Raleigh, North Carolina, President Biden assured those impacted, “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 made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday night as a formidable Category 4 hurricane, marking a record-setting event for that area. Recovery operations are ongoing, yet over 1.2 million customers remain without power in various southern states. According to poweroutage.us, there are about 1,276,750 customers affected, with South Carolina facing the most significant challenges, where over 484,410 customers are without power, followed by North Carolina and Georgia. To expedite recovery, President Biden has authorized the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist the North Carolina National Guard in delivering critical resources such as food, water, and medicine to isolated communities. The President stated, “These soldiers will speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies. They possess the manpower and logistical capabilities to get this vital job done, and quickly.” Additionally, bipartisan support is evident among congressional leaders, with a joint letter from Senate leaders urging Congress to convene following the devastation to address the urgent needs stemming from the hurricane’s widespread effects. They emphasized the necessity for legislative action to ensure relief measures are implemented in a timely manner, stating, “Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act.” Tens of millions of Americans have been affected by Hurricane Helene, and comprehensive efforts are vital to deliver relief to those impacted by this historic storm.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, leading to significant destruction across multiple states. With a death toll of at least 189, this storm represents the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina. Flooding, power outages, and widespread damage have necessitated a robust governmental response at both local and federal levels.

In summary, Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact has resulted in a high death toll and widespread destruction across several southeastern states. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with federal authorities mobilizing military resources to assist in delivering critical supplies to affected communities. Bipartisan congressional leaders are advocating for prompt legislative action to address the needs of millions impacted by this devastating storm.

Original Source: abc11.com