Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the southeastern U.S., causing dozens of deaths and billions of dollars in destruction. The Category 4 hurricane made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region, with winds of 140 mph, before moving through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, causing widespread devastation. The storm led to power outages for over three million people and significant damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure.
The storm triggered landslides, flooding, and evacuations in areas like Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. Tornadoes also hit some regions, causing injuries. Atlanta received record-breaking rainfall, leading to severe flooding. The storm resulted in at least 44 deaths across several states and left many neighborhoods evacuated and underwater.
The effects of Hurricane Helene are expected to have long-lasting impacts, with property damage estimated to range from 13.5 billion euros to 23.5 billion euros. The storm highlighted the increased threats posed by climate change, as warmer waters fuel more powerful cyclones.
Residents like Susan Sauls Hartway in Florida’s Big Bend region are left grappling with the loss of their homes and livelihoods. Many residents, particularly those with limited resources, face uncertainty about their future.
As recovery efforts continue, President Joe Biden expressed his support for survivors, and FEMA deployed workers to assist with rescues. Officials warned about the dangers of floodwaters and urged those trapped to seek help. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene underscores the urgent need for preparedness and response efforts in the face of climate-related disasters.
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