The death toll from Hurricane Helene has reached at least 189, making it the deadliest storm on the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. The storm has caused catastrophic flooding and damage in multiple states, leaving over 1.2 million customers without power. President Biden has deployed up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist with recovery efforts, emphasizing that the federal government stands behind affected communities. Congressional leaders have called for immediate legislative action to address the disaster’s impact.
Hurricane Helene’s confirmed death toll has tragically risen to at least 189 individuals, as reported by The Associated Press, marking it as the deadliest storm to impact the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. The devastation brought on by Helene’s storm surge, intense winds, and significant inland flooding has wreaked havoc across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, resulting in widespread damage and numerous residents being stranded and displaced in their homes. Recovery efforts are currently underway across the Southeastern states. In an effort to assess the damage and offer support, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited the affected areas on Wednesday. During his address to a gathering in Raleigh, North Carolina, President Biden emphasized, “I am here to say the United States—the nation—has your back. We are not leaving until you are back on your feet completely.” Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, setting a record as the strongest storm to have impacted this area. Recovery continues, with approximately 1.2 million customers still without power in various states, as per data from poweroutage.us. Notably, South Carolina has reported over 484,410 customers without power, North Carolina over 343,632, and Georgia more than 354,418. Outages have also been reported in Florida, Virginia, and West Virginia. To address urgent needs in the affected states, President Biden announced the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the North Carolina National Guard. This initiative aims to expedite the distribution of essential supplies, such as food, water, and medicine, to isolated communities. President Biden commented, “These soldiers will speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies… They will join hundreds of North Carolina National Guard members deployed under State authorities in support of the response.” Furthermore, a joint letter from Senate leaders Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, and other senators urged Congress to convene in October to address the substantial destruction inflicted by Hurricane Helene. They stated, “Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents.” As help continues to mobilize for those affected by this natural disaster, the Red Cross and other organizations are actively soliciting donations to aid in recovery efforts, highlighting the extensive impact of Hurricane Helene on tens of millions of Americans.
Hurricane Helene has emerged as one of the most catastrophic storms to affect the mainland United States, with a death toll that sadly surpasses that of Hurricane Katrina. The widespread devastation across southeastern states has prompted significant state and federal emergency responses. With President Biden and key government officials directly involved in overseeing recovery efforts, the response not only aims to provide immediate aid but also highlights the critical need for long-term recovery support as communities begin to rebuild. The continued challenges, such as widespread power outages and property destruction, exemplify the extensive aftermath of natural disasters and the urgency required in providing relief.
In summary, Hurricane Helene stands as a historic natural disaster that has profoundly affected millions across the southeastern United States, resulting in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The federal response, led by President Biden and supported by various emergency services, emphasizes the commitment to providing urgent aid to affected communities. Furthermore, Congressional leaders recognize the impending need for legislative action to ensure the affected regions receive ample support and resources for recovery, reflecting a united effort in the face of such adversity. The collective response, both from government officials and relief organizations, underlines the resilience and solidarity in assisting those in the wake of this catastrophic event.
Original Source: 6abc.com
