Hurricane Helene Causes Catastrophic Damage Across Southeastern States, Death Toll Reaches 64
Hurricane Helene has caused extensive destruction across the southeastern United States, resulting in at least 64 fatalities and affecting millions with power outages. The storm’s catastrophic impact has prompted emergency responses from local and federal officials, with ongoing efforts to provide aid and support.
Hurricane Helene has wreaked catastrophic damage across multiple southeastern states, resulting in significant loss of life, widespread destruction, and substantial power outages. As of September 29, 2024, reports indicate that the death toll has risen to at least 64 individuals across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia due to the storm’s impact, which includes storm surge, wind damage, and severe flooding following its landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. In Florida, a fallen street sign tragically claimed the life of a motorist on Interstate 4. In Georgia, casualties include an assistant fire chief, Leon Davis, who perished when a tree fell on his vehicle, and a mother with her twin infants who died when their home was struck by another falling tree. In South Carolina, the storm has led to at least 17 confirmed deaths, including two firefighters, while North Carolina authorities have reported fatalities linked to flooded roadways. The hurricane has left approximately 2.8 million customers without power across ten states, with South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina experiencing the highest outages. Nearly 942,012 individuals in South Carolina, 692,224 in Georgia, and 569,207 in North Carolina remain in the dark as recovery efforts continue. Florida itself continues to face significant outages with over 245,000 customers affected. In light of the disaster, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has expressed grave concerns regarding the unprecedented devastation in western North Carolina, noting the extensive emergency efforts to rescue over 200 individuals since the storm began. Vice President Kamala Harris has also offered condolences to those affected, emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to providing essential support and resources. “My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Helene,” she stated, highlighting ongoing coordination with local authorities.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida on the night of September 28, 2024, marking it as one of the most powerful hurricanes recorded in that area. The storm brought severe storm surges and strong winds, resulting in significant flooding and infrastructure damage across several southeastern states. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has led to substantial emergency response efforts, focusing on rescue operations and restoring power to devastated communities. As recovery continues, the effects of this natural disaster have prompted state and federal officials to mobilize resources to aid impacted individuals and regions.
The catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene highlights the severe impact of natural disasters on communities and infrastructure. With a confirmed death toll of 64 and millions without power, the recovery efforts in the most affected states are ongoing. State leaders and federal officials are prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of impacted individuals, emphasizing the importance of coordinated rescue and recovery efforts during such challenging times. As the situation develops, continued aid and support for these communities will be crucial in their rebuilding efforts.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
