Hurricane Helene: Devastation Claims 189 Lives, the Deadliest Storm Since Katrina

The confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to at least 189, making it the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. The storm caused severe damage across several southeastern states. President Biden has pledged federal support and deployed additional troops to assist in recovery efforts. Ongoing power outages affect over 1.2 million customers, predominantly in South Carolina and North Carolina, as Congress is urged to provide relief.

The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene has resulted in a confirmed death toll of at least 189 individuals, marking it as the deadliest storm to strike the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. The storm, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, caused catastrophic storm surges, wind destruction, and flooding across several southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. In light of the destruction, recovery efforts are underway across the affected areas. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited the region to assess the damage and reassure victims of the federal government’s support. President Biden stated, “I am here to say that the United States — the nation — has your back. We are not leaving until you are back on your feet completely.” As recovery progresses, more than 1.2 million customers remain without power, primarily in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, with significant outages also reported in Florida, Virginia, and West Virginia. To assist in the recovery, President Biden has deployed up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to reinforce local National Guard efforts in North Carolina, emphasizing their ability to expedite the delivery of essential supplies to isolated communities. Leaders in Congress have expressed the urgency for legislative action to address the needs arising from the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. A letter from Senate leaders urged Congress to convene to tackle the challenges faced by the communities affected by the storm, highlighting the necessity of relief for millions who have suffered as a result of this unprecedented disaster.

Hurricane Helene significantly impacted the southeastern United States, with a particularly severe landfall in Florida. The scale of devastation led to a major loss of life and widespread power outages. Recovery efforts continue as both local and national authorities respond to the needs of the affected individuals and families. Furthermore, the incident has prompted discussions among congressional leaders regarding immediate relief measures to support recovery and reconstruction in the aftermath of the storm.

In summary, Hurricane Helene stands as one of the most catastrophic storms to hit the mainland U.S. in recent history, resulting in a tragic loss of life and significant property damage across multiple states. With federal support and ongoing recovery efforts, authorities remain focused on restoring power and providing assistance to those impacted. Urgent calls from congressional leaders underscore the necessity for legislative intervention to secure funding for recovery efforts moving forward.

Original Source: abc7ny.com