Hurricane Helene leaves 93 dead, millions without power in eastern U.S.

The remnants of Hurricane Helene continue to threaten parts of the United States, even though its strength has weakened. The consequences of the catastrophe are dire – preliminary estimates indicate at least 93 fatalities, hundreds missing, and over 2.4 million people without power from Florida to Virginia.

Hurricane Helene struck the Big Bend region in Florida on Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane, causing extensive damage. Barrier islands such as Sanibel, Captiva, Anna Maria, and Siesta Key were submerged after storm surges flooded homes and businesses.

According to CNN, fatalities were recorded in six states. Most deaths occurred in North Carolina, where at least 37 people lost their lives. In South Carolina, 25 people died, including two firefighters who perished during rescue operations. Georgia reported 17 fatalities, Florida 11, and Virginia and Tennessee each reported two.

The situation is particularly dire in North Carolina. In Buncombe County, one-third of all deaths caused by Helene in the entire United States were reported. The state's governor, Henry McMaster, warned residents against underestimating the floods, emphasizing that "water is the number one killer."

Due to floods and mudslides in North Carolina, many people remain missing. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported that 153 people were reported missing in flooded areas. Communication infrastructure, including cellular networks, suffered damage, making it difficult for rescuers to contact many residents.

In response to the crisis, local and federal agencies, supported by the National Guard, are working to deliver supplies to affected regions and restore essential infrastructure.

This is an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response, emphasized North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, as quoted by NBC.

In Florida, rescue teams have saved at least 190 people who were in immediate danger. Although some residents have returned to their homes, the situation remains critical in many areas, especially those affected by floods.

Despite Helene losing strength, meteorologists warn that the threat of heavy rains and flash floods persists in many areas, especially in the Appalachians. The damage to infrastructure is significant – roads, power lines, and sewage treatment plants have been severely damaged.

In North Carolina, many local communities are struggling with a lack of access to drinking water, food, fuel, power, and communication. Repairs are ongoing, but progress is hindered by adverse weather conditions and the scale of the destruction.

President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration for Florida, enabling the release of additional federal funds for recovery and assistance to the affected.

As we continue to support response and recovery efforts, we will make sure that no resource is spared to ensure communities can quickly begin their road to rebuilding, the U.S. President wrote on platform X.

The situation in the regions affected by Helene remains critical. Residents hope that with improving weather, rescue and repair services can expedite their efforts to restore normal living conditions as quickly as possible.