Hurricane Helene: Death Toll Rises to 189, marking Devastation across Southern States

Hurricane Helene’s confirmed death toll has risen to at least 189, marking it the deadliest hurricane on the mainland U.S. since Katrina. Extensive damage has been reported across multiple southern states, and recovery operations are underway. President Biden has mobilized active-duty soldiers to assist with relief efforts, while Congress is urged to convene to address the needs of affected communities.

The confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically risen to at least 189 individuals, as reported by The Associated Press. This unfortunate statistic marks the storm as the deadliest hurricane to strike the continental United States since Hurricane Katrina. The extensive damage caused by storm surges, high winds, and inland flooding has ravaged multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, resulting in widespread destruction of homes and stranding of residents. Recovery efforts are currently underway across the Southeast region, with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visiting on Wednesday to assess the destruction. “I am here to say the United States — the nation — has your back,” President Biden affirmed to a gathering in Raleigh, North Carolina. “We are not leaving until you are back on your feet completely.” Hurricane Helene, which made its landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region last Thursday, is recorded as the strongest hurricane to impact that area. Ongoing recovery efforts are hindered by widespread power outages affecting 1.2 million customers in various southern states. As of Wednesday afternoon, the states experiencing the highest number of outages include South Carolina with over 484,410, North Carolina with over 343,632, and Georgia with over 354,418 individuals without power. Other states reporting outages include Florida, Virginia, and West Virginia. In response to the crisis, President Biden announced he has mobilized up to one thousand active-duty soldiers to support the North Carolina National Guard in relief efforts, emphasizing the importance of rapid delivery of essential supplies to communities in need. The soldiers will focus on distributing life-saving resources such as food, water, and medical supplies to isolated areas. The White House confirmed that these military personnel will support the ongoing response operations effectively and without delay. Senate leaders from both parties have also acknowledged the gravity of the situation, issuing a joint statement urging Congress to convene to address the needs of affected states. They expressed a collective resolve to enact necessary legislative relief measures promptly. As the crisis develops, the Senators noted, “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.” In summary, Hurricane Helene has wrought devastating consequences across multiple states, with significant loss of life and property. Both state and federal authorities are working diligently to restore normalcy and provide necessary support to affected communities.

The article discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has become one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the United States since Hurricane Katrina. It outlines the rising death toll and the widespread destruction caused by the hurricane, emphasizing the impact on various Southern states and the ongoing recovery efforts led by government officials. This context is crucial for understanding the scale of the disaster and the coordinated response required to assist those affected.

In conclusion, Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented devastation, leading to a death toll of at least 189 and affecting millions across the Southeast. As recovery efforts progress, the collaboration between state and federal authorities highlights the urgency of providing relief to those impacted by this catastrophic storm. The federal deployment of military resources aims to expedite support, while both political parties call for legislative action to address the extensive needs resulting from the disaster.

Original Source: abc11.com