Hurricane Helene has caused over 150 fatalities in the southeastern US, with rescue efforts ongoing. President Biden and Vice President Harris are scheduled to survey the damage in North and South Carolina and Georgia respectively. The storm impacted several states, sparking discussions on the effects of climate change. Governor Roy Cooper highlighted the unprecedented devastation in North Carolina, with several individuals still unaccounted for.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically surpassed 150 individuals as rescue teams continue to search for survivors in the storm-ravaged southeastern United States. On Tuesday, rescue crews employed helicopters to access remote areas where bridges were obliterated by the hurricane’s fury. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Georgia on Wednesday to assess the situation firsthand. The storm’s aftermath has significantly impacted North Carolina and South Carolina, with the presidential candidates from the Democratic party making their way to survey the devastation. President Joe Biden plans to visit both North and South Carolina to observe the damage caused by the storm. The current count of fatalities includes at least 74 in North Carolina, 36 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, four in Tennessee, and two in Virginia, indicating the widespread destruction across these states. Emergency responders are working diligently to restore essential services such as electricity and water. Unfortunately, hundreds remain unaccounted for, with hopes that some may be located once cell phone service is reinstated. “We know that the devastation brought by hurricane Helene is beyond belief. Communities were wiped off the map,” stated North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who anticipates that the death toll in his state may continue to increase. The situation remains dire, as numerous regions face significant power outages and other challenges, including impassable highways. Buncombe County in western North Carolina, particularly hard-hit, reported 57 fatalities. In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster confirmed an increase in the death toll, acknowledging that it is likely to escalate further. Over 1.4 million households are still without power as emergency services strive to restore order. Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category Four hurricane that struck Florida’s northern Gulf Coast with winds reaching 140 miles per hour, has left a path of destruction extending over 500 miles as it has since weakened. The storm has also become a contentious political issue, with President Trump accusing the Biden-Harris administration of a lack of responsiveness during the crisis. Biden countered these claims, denouncing Trump for what he characterized as misinformation. Amid discussions on climate change, Biden was unequivocal when he stated that global warming contributes to the increasing intensity of hurricanes. “Absolutely, positively, unequivocally, yes, yes, yes, yes,” he emphasized when discussing the role of climate change in the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida as a significant Category Four hurricane, has had catastrophic effects across several southeastern states of the United States. With wind speeds of 140 miles per hour, it caused extensive infrastructure damage and loss of life, particularly in North Carolina and South Carolina, which are known as critical battlegrounds in the upcoming presidential elections. The hurricane’s impact has raised discussions about the potential role of climate change in the severity and frequency of such storms, prompting political leaders to engage in a heated debate on the topic.
In summary, Hurricane Helene has resulted in over 150 deaths across multiple states, with ongoing rescue efforts and significant challenges faced by emergency services. The devastation has attracted political attention as key candidates survey the damage, with discussions surrounding climate change gaining traction in light of the storm’s intensity. As recovery efforts continue, the outlook remains grim for many affected communities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
