Hurricane Helene has resulted in at least 189 confirmed fatalities, making it the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina. The storm caused extensive damage and flooding across several southern states, leading to widespread power outages affecting over 1.2 million customers. President Biden has pledged federal support and deployed military personnel to aid recovery efforts, while Congress is being called to convene for legislative action to address the needs arising from this disaster.
The reported death toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically risen to at least 189 individuals as of Wednesday evening, marking it as the deadliest storm to strike the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina. The devastation inflicted by Helene has been extensive, with storm surges, wind damage, and severe inland flooding impacting several states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Residents have faced flooding in their neighborhoods, rendering many stranded and causing widespread destruction of homes. In response to the disaster, recovery operations are underway throughout the Southeastern United States. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited the affected areas to evaluate the damage, assuring the public of federal support. “I am here to say the United States — the nation — has your back,” stated President Biden during his address in Raleigh, North Carolina, emphasizing that the government will remain until the recovery efforts are complete and communities are restored to stability. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a formidable Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region, resulting in unprecedented damages as it is recorded as the strongest hurricane to impact that region. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with approximately 1.2 million customers across Southern states currently experiencing power outages. As of Wednesday afternoon, areas most affected include South Carolina with over 484,410 outages, North Carolina with about 343,632, and Georgia with approximately 354,418 customers without power. Outages are also noted in Florida, Virginia, and West Virginia. To bolster the recovery efforts, President Biden has authorized the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty military personnel to assist the North Carolina National Guard. These troops will help expedite the delivery of crucial supplies such as food, water, and medicine to isolated communities, leveraging their logistical capabilities to facilitate efficient aid distribution. “These soldiers will speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies to isolated communities,” said President Biden. In a collaborative effort, Senate leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, have urged Congress to convene to address the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. They acknowledged that “although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents”.
Hurricane Helene’s recent impact has been particularly severe, showcasing the growing concern surrounding climate-related disasters in the United States. This storm, characterized as a Category 4 hurricane upon landfall, has exacerbated vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness in the Southeast U.S., a region that has been deeply affected by natural disasters in recent years. The significant loss of life and widespread power outages illustrate the urgent need for effective disaster response and recovery strategies.
In summary, Hurricane Helene has exerted catastrophic effects across multiple states in the U.S., leading to the tragic deaths of at least 189 individuals and leaving over 1.2 million residents without power. Federal and state authorities, including President Biden, are actively engaged in recovery efforts and providing critical support to affected communities. The coordinated response underscores the need for legislative action to address the challenges posed by such severe weather events, ensuring that resources and aid reach those in dire need.
Original Source: abc7ny.com
