Hurricane Helene Causes Devastation Across Southeastern U.S., Leaving 64 Dead and Millions Without Power

 

At least 64 people have died, and nearly 3.5 million are without power after Hurricane Helene hit the southeastern United States with powerful winds and heavy rain. The storm has caused historic flooding and widespread destruction, particularly in Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Florida, where it made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane.

Local authorities, like Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp, described the situation as catastrophic, saying the destruction resembled the aftermath of a bomb. In North Carolina, Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller reported severe challenges in rescue efforts due to damaged communication infrastructure. Parts of Asheville remain flooded, and emergency services have not yet confirmed all fatalities in the area.

President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, stating that federal resources are being mobilized to assist affected communities. Vice President Kamala Harris also pledged the administration’s support for those impacted by the disaster.

Hurricane Helene first hit Florida with winds reaching 140 mph, then weakened as it moved through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. The storm uprooted trees, destroyed homes, caused landslides, and led to massive flooding. Some areas, such as Spruce Pine in North Carolina, received over two feet of rain, resulting in the worst flooding seen in a century.

The storm's economic impact is expected to be severe. Meteorologist Jonathan Porter estimates damages between $95 billion and $110 billion, potentially making it one of the costliest storms in U.S. history.

In Tennessee, dramatic rescues were conducted, including airlifting patients from a hospital surrounded by floodwaters. Meanwhile, states like South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina continue to experience widespread power outages, affecting millions.

While the storm has weakened, officials are warning of continued risks as Helene moves further inland. Rescue teams from 19 states are currently aiding in recovery efforts, as the region grapples with the ongoing damage and displacement.

In Mexico, the remnants of Tropical Storm John also brought severe flooding, causing at least 22 deaths in the resort city of Acapulco, adding to the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis last year. Global warming is believed to be intensifying these storms, increasing both their frequency and severity, according to climate experts.

The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring two more storms, Tropical Storm Joyce and Hurricane Isaac, which are moving through the Atlantic.