Hurricane Helene’s Death Toll Soars to 200, Marking Deadliest U.S. Storm Since Katrina

Hurricane Helene’s death toll has reached at least 200, making it the deadliest storm to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in affected areas, particularly in North Carolina. President Biden has deployed 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist relief efforts, with many customers still without power across several southern states. Bipartisan Senate leaders are calling for Congress to convene to address the disaster’s impacts and aid affected communities.

The death toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically risen to at least 200, according to reports from The Associated Press, marking it as the deadliest storm to impact the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. As of Thursday morning, the confirmed number was 189; however, an update indicated the addition of eight fatalities in Georgia and three in North Carolina, bringing the total to 200 by noon. Search and rescue missions are ongoing, particularly in the mountainous regions of western North Carolina, where the storm inflicted significant damage. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene includes devastating storm surges, wind destruction, and widespread flooding that have affected communities across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. In response to the disaster, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited the affected areas to assess the damage and support recovery efforts. “I am here to say the United States — the nation — has your back,” President Biden assured a gathering in Raleigh, North Carolina. “We are not leaving till you are back on your feet completely.” Hurricane Helene, classified as a massive Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday night, being the strongest hurricane to strike that area on record. Recovery efforts are currently underway, with over 1.2 million customers still experiencing power outages across various southern states. As of Wednesday, more than 1.3 million individuals were reported without power according to poweroutage.us, with South Carolina being notably affected with over 484,410 customers without electricity. In a strategic move, President Biden announced the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to bolster the North Carolina National Guard’s relief efforts, tasked with delivering essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine to isolated communities. The soldiers are part of the Infantry Battalion Task Force based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. In a demonstrative show of bipartisan concern for the disaster, Senate leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, issued a joint letter urging Congress to reconvene to address the unprecedented level of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. They emphasized the urgency of legislation to meet the critical needs of constituents affected by the storm. Additionally, public support for those impacted by the hurricane has been initiated through charitable organizations like the Red Cross, encouraging donations to aid in the recovery process.

Hurricane Helene has emerged as a catastrophic event, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction across multiple states in the southeastern United States. The storm, categorized as a Category 4 hurricane upon landfall, has generated immense storm surges, flooding, and wind damage that have devastated communities and infrastructure. In light of the damage, federal and local authorities are mobilizing resources and support to assist affected areas completely, echoing the sentiments portrayed during past disasters attributed to severe weather phenomena. The gravity of this situation highlights the essential need for coordinated response efforts from both governmental and nonprofit organizations.

Hurricane Helene has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with a confirmed toll of 200 fatalities, marking its place in history as the deadliest storm to impact the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and federal resources are being allocated to support relief initiatives. The situation continues to evolve as lawmakers call for urgent action to address the extensive needs of those affected by this natural disaster. It is crucial for communities and organizations to unite in efforts to assist those who have suffered immense losses due to Hurricane Helene.

Original Source: abc11.com