Hurricane Helene is now the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina, with 182 confirmed fatalities across six southeastern states, primarily in North Carolina. The ongoing recovery indicates potential rises in casualty numbers. President Biden’s visit emphasized bipartisan disaster response amidst rising concerns about climate change’s exacerbation of storm severity and damages.
Hurricane Helene has emerged as the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina, with confirmed fatalities reaching 182 across six southeastern states as of Wednesday. North Carolina has reported the majority of these deaths due to extensive flooding caused by swollen rivers, debris, and landslides, with additional reports of fatalities from South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. Experts caution that these numbers may rise further in the forthcoming days, particularly in North Carolina. South Carolina endured significant power outages, with 449,000 residents still without electricity and 39 deaths attributed to the storm. Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall indicated the potential for even higher tragic numbers, estimating as many as 600 individuals may be missing or unaccounted for, but cautioned about the variability in data accuracy. During a visit to Raleigh, North Carolina, President Joe Biden engaged with first responders and the affected communities, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation in times of disaster. He commended both the Democratic Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Republican Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina for their disaster response efforts. The storm’s impact has been particularly tragic in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where at least 57 fatalities have been recorded around Asheville. Among those were the couple Marcia and Jerry Savage, who were discovered deceased in their home after a tree fell on it. Thousands of federal responders have been deployed to assist in the recovery efforts, while numerous individuals remain unaccounted for. A large Facebook community has sprung up to help reconnect families who have been separated during the chaos. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend while classified as a Category 4 storm and continued to affect areas up the East Coast, resulting in over 29 inches of rain in some western North Carolina locations and producing a storm surge reaching up to 15 feet. Helene stands as the second deadliest hurricane on the continental United States since Katrina, with the latter’s devastation claiming nearly 1,400 lives in 2005. Recent studies suggest that climate change has exacerbated Helene’s intensity, leading to heavier rainfalls and stronger winds attributed to warmer Gulf of Mexico waters. Officials warned that with the increase in global temperatures, storms will likely continue to intensify, leading to greater water-related damage in future events as opposed to wind-related damage.
The article discusses the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which has been recognized as the deadliest storm in the United States since Hurricane Katrina. The article highlights the fatalities reported across several states, the response from government officials, and the impact of climate change on storm intensity and behavior. With the storm resulting in significant casualties and destruction, the article emphasizes ongoing rescue efforts and the growing concern regarding climate-related disasters.
Hurricane Helene’s toll, amounting to 182 confirmed fatalities and potential for more, illustrates the profound impact of such weather events on vulnerable communities. The storm underscores the increasing severity linked to climate change, as evidenced by expert analyses pointing to warmer sea temperatures enhancing storm intensity. As states continue their recovery efforts, the collaboration between political leaders is noteworthy, serving as a reminder of the shared responsibility during times of crisis.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
