In the wake of Hurricane Helene, more than 200 individuals have tragically lost their lives as it tore through multiple southeastern US states. This makes it the second deadliest storm to hit the US mainland in over 50 years. Official reports reveal a total of 201 fatalities in states including North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of the devastation.
The impact of Helene echoes the infamous Hurricane Katrina of 2005, which claimed the lives of 1,392 individuals. Despite extensive rescue efforts across six states involving over 10,000 federal personnel, the death toll is expected to climb as many residents remain unaccounted for, particularly in isolated mountainous regions.
Efforts to locate survivors are ongoing, with areas like Buncombe County in North Carolina reporting over 60 confirmed deaths. The challenges of landslides and destroyed infrastructure have left some residents cut off from outside assistance. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences for the 33 confirmed deaths in his state, acknowledging the heartbreak and devastation faced by affected families.
US President Joe Biden visited the impacted states, including Florida, where Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 140 miles per hour. Biden conducted aerial surveys of the coastal areas and walked through devastated communities like Keaton Beach. His visit aimed to assess the widespread damage and offer support to those affected by the storm.