Hurricane Helene’s confirmed death toll has reached at least 200, making it the deadliest hurricane since Katrina. The storm inflicted significant damage, especially in North Carolina, leading to ongoing search and rescue operations and widespread power outages affecting millions. President Biden has announced military support for recovery efforts as Congress considers additional legislative measures for disaster relief.
Hurricane Helene has claimed at least 200 lives, establishing itself as the deadliest storm to impact the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. As of Thursday morning, the death toll stood at 189; however, subsequent reports from Georgia and North Carolina revealed an additional 11 casualties, raising the total to 200 by noon. The most devastating effects of the storm were witnessed in western North Carolina, where extensive search and rescue operations are ongoing. Helene has caused catastrophic storm surges, wind damage, and inland flooding, affecting several states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, thereby stranding residents and obliterating homes.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a formidable Category 4 hurricane, marking the most powerful storm to strike this area on record. With recovery efforts in full swing across the Southeastern United States, the storm has left 1.2 million customers without power as of midday Wednesday. The hardest-hit regions include South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. In response to the devastation wrought by Helene, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited the affected areas to assess the damage and pledged federal support, including the deployment of military assistance to facilitate recovery operations. A coalition of bipartisan congressional leaders has urged swift legislative action to address the extensive needs arising from the storm’s impact.
The tragic toll of Hurricane Helene, now numbering at least 200 fatalities, underscores the immense destruction inflicted on multiple states. The protracted recovery efforts call for urgent government intervention and community support, as millions remain affected by power outages and necessary relief materials are desperate to reach isolated residents. The invocation of military resources exemplifies the seriousness of the situation, and Congress’s action is imperative to ensure adequate resources are allocated to support recovery and relief efforts.
Original Source: abc11.com
