Remnants of Hurricane Helene: US reels from catastrophic impact

The remnants of Hurricane Helene still threaten parts of the United States, even though its strength has clearly weakened. The aftermath of the disaster is catastrophic – preliminary estimates indicate at least 93 fatalities, hundreds missing, and over 2.4 million people left without power in the area from Florida to Virginia.

Hurricane Helene struck the Big Bend region in Florida on Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane, causing massive destruction. Barrier islands such as Sanibel, Captiva, Anna Maria, and Siesta Key were submerged after storm surges inundated the land, flooding homes and businesses.

According to a CNN report, fatalities have been recorded in six states. The most deaths occurred in North Carolina, where at least 37 people lost their lives. In South Carolina, 25 people died, including two firefighters during a rescue operation. Georgia recorded 17 deaths, Florida 11, and two in both Virginia and Tennessee.

The situation is particularly dire in North Carolina. In Buncombe County, as much as one-third of all deaths caused by Helene in the entire United States were recorded. The state’s governor, Henry McMaster, warned residents against underestimating the flooding, emphasizing that "water is the number one killer".

Due to floods and mudslides in North Carolina, many people are still missing. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported that 153 people have been reported missing in the flooded areas. As communication infrastructure, including mobile networks, has been damaged, rescuers have difficulty contacting many residents.

In response to the crisis, local and federal services, supported by the National Guard, are working on delivering supplies to the affected areas and rebuilding basic infrastructure.

This is an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response – stressed North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, quoted by NBC.

In Florida, rescue teams saved at least 190 people who were in immediate danger. Although some residents have returned to their homes, many areas remain critical, especially in flood-affected regions.

Though Helene has weakened, meteorologists warn that the threat of heavy rains and flash floods persists in many areas, especially in the Appalachians. Infrastructure damage is extensive—roads, power lines, and sewage treatment plants have been seriously damaged.

In North Carolina, many local communities are experiencing a lack of access to drinking water, food, fuel, electricity, and communication. Repairs are ongoing, but adverse weather conditions and the scale of the destruction hinder their pace.

President Joe Biden has approved a state of disaster for Florida, allowing the release of additional federal funds for rebuilding and aiding the victims.

As we continue to support response and recovery efforts, we will make sure that no resource is spared to ensure communities can quickly begin their road to rebuilding – the US President wrote on platform X.

The situation in the regions affected by Helene remains critical. Residents hope that as the weather improves, rescue and repair services will be able to accelerate their activities and restore normal living conditions as soon as possible.