Hurricane Helene’s Death Toll Reaches 189: The Deadliest Storm Since Katrina
Hurricane Helene has led to a confirmed death toll of at least 189, making it the deadliest storm to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane caused extensive flooding and power outages across several states. President Biden has mobilized soldiers to aid recovery efforts, while congressional leaders call for immediate legislative action to support affected communities.
As of Wednesday evening, the confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically risen to at least 189 individuals, marking it as the deadliest storm to strike the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina, according to The Associated Press. The devastating storm has inflicted catastrophic damage across several states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, with significant flooding, destruction of homes, and widespread power outages. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are actively visiting the affected areas, providing assurance to the victims that the nation will support their recovery. “I am here to say the United States — the nation — has your back,” President Biden remarked during his visit to Raleigh, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region, has left approximately 1.2 million customers without power as recovery efforts are underway. The states most heavily impacted include South Carolina, with over 484,410 customers affected, and North Carolina, where more than 343,632 remain without power. In response to the destruction, President Biden has ordered the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist in the recovery efforts, particularly in North Carolina, emphasizing the critical need for effective logistics in delivering aid. Furthermore, congressional leaders, including Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, have urged Congress to convene and address the pressing needs of the affected states. They highlighted the urgent requirement for legislative action to support those impacted by this historic disaster. As efforts to locate missing persons continue, the focus remains on restoring power, providing essential supplies, and initiating recovery programs in the storm-ravaged regions.
Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, made its historic landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida, unleashing widespread devastation across several southeastern states. This hurricane has been recorded as the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina, which struck in 2005, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The aftermath has prompted mobilization of extensive federal and state resources to aid in recovery and address the immediate needs of those severely affected.
The rising death toll from Hurricane Helene emphasizes the severe impact of this natural disaster on the United States, drawing parallels with past hurricanes such as Katrina. As federal and state leaders work tirelessly to provide support and resources, the importance of legislative action to secure funding for recovery cannot be overstated. The ongoing efforts reflect a national commitment to assist those in dire need in the wake of this tragedy.
Original Source: abc11.com
