Hurricane Helene: Rising Death Toll and Recovery Efforts in the Southeast

Hurricane Helene has resulted in over 215 fatalities and extensive flooding across multiple Southeastern states. With a confirmed death toll of 72 in Buncombe County, North Carolina, and over 200 missing, recovery efforts are underway. Special coverage on ABC News will focus on support initiatives for affected communities, while federal assistance continues to be mobilized in response to the disaster.

Hurricane Helene has unleashed catastrophic inland flooding and significant devastation across several Southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. The storm, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, has claimed the lives of over 215 individuals, making it the deadliest hurricane to hit the US mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In the aftermath of Helene, special coverage titled “Southeast Strong: Help After Helene” will be featured by ABC News’ “Good Morning America,” highlighting communities affected by the hurricane and ongoing recovery efforts. As of the latest updates, at least 72 lives have been lost in the Asheville area of North Carolina’s Buncombe County, with over 200 individuals reported as missing. Sheriff Quentin Miller addressed the residents, assuring them of ongoing support amid these challenging times. Vice presidential nominee Senator JD Vance emphasized the urgent need for resources to assist in rebuilding efforts during a visit to Damascus, Virginia. He indicated the prevalence of both tragic stories and heroic actions during these critical moments, stating: “I think the biggest thing that I take away from this is: One, people need a lot of resources to rebuild…But most importantly, I heard an unbelievable number of stories of incredible human tragedy, but also human heroism that saved a lot of lives.” Furthermore, responding to inquiries about Congressional support for emergency aid, he affirmed: “Yes, ma’am, of course, we’re going to support that. People, I think, need the help and certainly need the support.” In North Carolina, over 40,000 residents have sought disaster assistance, and FEMA has disbursed more than $6.2 million to survivors. According to Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates, President Joe Biden has instructed FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to remain in North Carolina until recovery efforts stabilize, with over 1,200 FEMA personnel actively engaged in aid and resource management. Search and rescue teams have assisted over 2,120 individuals, and power restoration efforts are ongoing with nearly 7,900 crews deployed from various regions. In responding to the devastation that Hurricane Helene has brought, officials and volunteers have rallied to provide essential resources to the affected communities, emphasizing the importance of collective resilience and support.

Hurricane Helene, categorized as a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida last week, causing extensive damage and loss of life. The storm has predominantly impacted states in the Southeastern United States, prompting emergency responses and disaster declarations as communities grapple with the flooding and destruction left in its wake. With the rising death toll and significant numbers of individuals reported missing, emergency management officials and government authorities have mobilized to provide aid and necessary resources to the hardest-hit areas, primarily focusing on recovery efforts in North Carolina.

In conclusion, Hurricane Helene has had a devastating impact on the Southeastern United States, with a rising death toll and extensive damage reported across multiple states. Notably, Asheville, North Carolina, has seen significant losses, and ongoing recovery efforts have mobilized both local and federal resources to assist affected communities. The collaborative response underscores the importance of resilience and support in the face of such a disaster.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com