Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Impact: Death Toll Rises to 189, Prompting Federal Response

Hurricane Helene has resulted in a death toll of 189, the highest since Hurricane Katrina. Extensive storm damage and flooding have affected several southern states, prompting recovery efforts led by the government and military troops. A bipartisan call to action has been made for Congress to provide relief funding for those impacted by the storm.

The confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically risen to 189 individuals, marking it as the deadliest storm to impact the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. The sheer force of the storm has resulted in catastrophic storm surges, severe wind damage, and significant inland flooding across various states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. In response to this devastation, recovery operations are ongoing across the Southeast, underscored by a visit from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris who aimed to assess the extensive destruction. During their visit, President Biden assured those affected, stating, “The United States — the nation — has your back. We are not leaving till you are back on your feet completely.” Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, creating record-setting damages. In its aftermath, over 1.2 million residents in southern states remain without power, creating significant challenges for recovery efforts. South Carolina is currently facing the highest number of outages, with over 484,410 customers affected. To aid in recovery, President Biden announced the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to reinforce local National Guard units in North Carolina, tasked with delivering essential supplies to isolated communities. In conjunction with these efforts, Senate leaders from both parties have called for Congress to reconvene to address the scale of the devastation before the end of the calendar year. They emphasized the need for immediate legislative action to provide assistance to the millions affected by this disaster. Furthermore, there are ongoing calls for public donations to aid relief efforts, such as through the Red Cross, which aims to support disaster preparedness and recovery.

Hurricane Helene has emerged as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to strike the U.S. mainland in recent years, with its death toll surpassing that of Hurricane Katrina, which struck in 2005. The storm has demonstrated the sheer destructive power of hurricanes, causing unprecedented flooding and damage to infrastructure and homes. Its impact spans multiple states, affecting millions of residents and putting significant strains on recovery systems and local governments. Amidst this calamity, federal and state officials are mobilizing resources to respond to the immediate needs of the affected populations, while also appealing to Congress for further assistance and relief funding to aid in recovery efforts.

In summary, Hurricane Helene has had a grave impact, leading to a confirmed death toll of 189, making it the deadliest storm since Katrina. Recovery efforts are exacerbated by widespread power outages and the urgent need for assistance in the hardest-hit regions. Federal support is mobilized through active-duty military personnel, and bipartisan efforts in Congress are underway to secure essential relief funding. As the recovery process unfolds, local and federal entities continue to work tirelessly to aid those who have suffered profound losses.

Original Source: 6abc.com