Hurricane Helene Devastates Southeastern US: Rising Floods and Growing Death Toll
The relentless downpour from Storm Helene has unleashed widespread devastation across North Carolina and Tennessee, marking the latest states in the southeastern U.S. to be significantly affected by this catastrophic event, which has already claimed at least 64 lives and almost 3.5 million were without power on Saturday, after strong winds and torrential rain from Hurricane Helene wreaked unprecedented havoc across large swathes of the south-eastern United States.
In North Carolina, the mountain city of Asheville has been largely isolated due to severe flooding, as reported by CBS News, a partner of the BBC. The flooding has left over 400 roads closed throughout the state, and tragically, ten fatalities have been confirmed. In response, state Governor Roy Cooper has announced that essential supplies are being airlifted to residents in dire need.
Emergency crews continue to carry out daring rescue missions, employing boats, helicopters, and specialized vehicles to reach those trapped in floodwaters. Notably, around 50 workers and patients were rescued from the roof of a submerged hospital in Tennessee, highlighting the urgent need for swift action.
Fuel shortages have compounded the crisis, with many gas stations across North Carolina shuttered and long lines forming at those still in operation. Power outages have affected approximately three million customers across five states, adding to the chaos.
Initially a hurricane—the most powerful on record to strike Florida’s Big Bend—Storm Helene made landfall late Thursday before pushing northward into Georgia and the Carolinas. Although the storm has weakened considerably, meteorologists caution that high winds, continued flooding, and potential tornadoes remain a threat.
Damage estimates from the storm range from $95 billion to $110 billion (£71 billion-£82 billion), with Governor Cooper labeling it “one of the worst storms in modern history” for North Carolina. Asheville, home to approximately 94,000 residents and a well-known cultural hub, is eerily silent as floodwaters engulf the city.
As the search for survivors continues, federal emergency declarations have been issued in six states, including Florida and Georgia. In Tennessee, a dramatic rescue unfolded when 58 patients and staff were stranded on the roof of a hospital in Erwin. Swift waters from the Nolichucky River hindered rescue efforts, but they were eventually rescued by helicopters from the Tennessee National Guard and Virginia State Police.
“The devastation we’re witnessing in Hurricane Helene’s wake has been overwhelming,” President Joe Biden stated on Saturday. He received updates from Deanne Criswell, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), whom he instructed to expedite support for storm survivors, particularly in North Carolina.
Looking ahead, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has projected that there could be as many as 25 named storms during the 2024 hurricane season, with forecasts indicating that between eight and 13 may develop into hurricanes. As the official hurricane season continues until November 30, officials warn that more storms could be on the horizon.
Source: BBC
Photograph: Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images
