The death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to 189, making it the deadliest storm to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. The storm has caused extensive flooding and damage across several states. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with federal support being mobilized to assist affected communities. Senate leaders are urging Congress to act promptly to address the needs arising from this disaster.
The confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene has now reached at least 189 individuals, as reported by The Associated Press on Wednesday evening, marking it as the deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. The devastation caused by the storm’s surge, strong winds, and inland flooding has severely affected Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, resulting in flooded neighborhoods, residents being stranded, and homes being destroyed. As recovery operations proceed throughout the Southeast, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited the affected areas to assess the destruction. President Biden assured the local populace, stating, “I am here to say the United States — the nation — has your back. We are not leaving till you are back on your feet completely.” Hurricane Helene made landfall on Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend region as a formidable Category 4 storm, the strongest ever recorded to hit the area. Currently, 1.2 million customers remain without power in several southern states, with South Carolina notably affected, where over 484,410 customers are without electricity. In a strategic response, President Biden announced the deployment of up to one thousand active-duty soldiers to reinforce the North Carolina National Guard. This mobilization aims to expedite the delivery of essential supplies—including food, water, and medicine—to isolated communities greatly impacted by the hurricane. In a collaborative letter, Senate leaders from both parties urged Congress to convene to address the pressing needs arising from the destruction inflicted by Hurricane Helene, underlining the necessity for immediate legislative action to support those affected by the storm. The senators expressed their commitment to assist the tens of millions of Americans impacted by the disaster.
Hurricane Helene, having made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region, has caused unprecedented destruction across several states in the Southeastern United States. The storm has led to significant casualties and has left large portions of the population without power. The ongoing recovery efforts, coupled with the federal and state response, are critical in addressing the immediate needs of those affected. The storm is now recognized as one of the deadliest to impact the U.S. mainland in recent history, stimulating call-for action from both political leaders and relief organizations.
In summary, Hurricane Helene has resulted in a death toll of at least 189, rendering it the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina. The storm has wreaked havoc across multiple states, leaving many residents in dire need of assistance. The federal response includes deploying active-duty soldiers to facilitate recovery efforts, while political leaders emphasize the urgency for Congress to act swiftly to provide relief. The community continues to rally in support of affected individuals, underscoring the importance of unity and resilience in the face of such tragic events.
Original Source: abc7ny.com
