Storm Helene, which started as a powerful hurricane, has wreaked havoc across several states in the southeastern United States. Though it weakened into a storm after making landfall, the destruction it caused is immense, with at least 63 fatalities and millions of people left without power. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the road to recovery is expected to be long.
The Aftermath of Storm Helene
Widespread Death and Damage
As of the latest reports, 63 people have died across multiple states, and millions of others are still struggling with the aftermath:
- 24 deaths in South Carolina
- 17 deaths in Georgia
- 11 deaths in Florida
- 10 deaths in North Carolina
- 1 death in Virginia
The storm has left behind a trail of devastation, with homes, businesses, and roads destroyed across the region. US President Joe Biden expressed his grief over the tragic loss of life and the damage caused by Helene, stating, “The road to recovery will be long.”
Power Outages Across Multiple States
One of the biggest challenges following the storm is the widespread loss of electricity. According to poweroutage.us, more than 2.7 million people across 10 states are still without power, particularly in:
- Florida
- Georgia
- Alabama
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Southeastern Indiana
States of Emergency Declared
Several states have declared a federal state of emergency to cope with the disaster. The affected states include:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
More than 800 personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been deployed to assist with recovery efforts. However, their work is being hampered by the difficult terrain and impassable roads caused by flooding.
Rescue Efforts and Flooding
Helicopter Evacuations in Tennessee
In certain areas, especially in Tennessee, rising floodwaters have forced emergency crews to evacuate people by helicopter. For instance, in the town of Erwin, more than 50 patients and hospital staff had to be airlifted from the roof of a hospital because ground rescue teams couldn’t reach them due to the floods.
Additionally, the Nolichuky Dam in Tennessee faced a serious risk of collapse due to the unprecedented levels of flooding, raising concerns for the surrounding communities.
Impact Continues…
Though Storm Helene has now weakened, its impact continues to be felt across the southeastern United States. With millions without power, widespread destruction, and ongoing rescue efforts, recovery will take time. The combination of flooding, blocked roads, and damaged infrastructure makes the recovery process even more challenging.
References
- CNN: cnn.com
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): fema.gov
- Power Outage Tracker: poweroutage.us