Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across the Southeastern United States, resulting in over 100 confirmed fatalities as of September 30, 2024. The storm made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, with winds reaching 225 kph, before moving through Georgia and inundating the Carolinas and Tennessee with torrential rains.
In North Carolina, particularly in Buncombe County, 30 deaths have been reported, with officials warning that the death toll may rise as rescue teams reach isolated areas cut off by collapsed roads and extensive flooding. Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the need for emergency supplies, stating, "We need food and we need water," while efforts to airlift supplies to the region are underway.
The storm has disrupted lives throughout the Southeast, leading to hundreds of water rescues and leaving over 2 million homes without electricity. The situation remains dire, with continued efforts to locate and rescue stranded individuals. President Joe Biden described the damage as "staggering" and is expected to visit the affected areas this week, provided it does not interfere with ongoing rescue operations.
As the recovery process begins, authorities anticipate a lengthy and challenging rebuilding effort, particularly in regions where infrastructure has been severely compromised.