The confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to 189, marking it the deadliest storm to strike the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane has devastated several states, leading to extensive flooding and power outages for over 1.2 million customers. President Biden announced the deployment of 1,000 active-duty soldiers to aid recovery efforts, while Congressional leaders emphasized the need for immediate legislative action to support affected communities.
As of Wednesday evening, the confirmed death toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically increased to at least 189 individuals, according to reports from The Associated Press. This unfortunate statistic positions Hurricane Helene as the deadliest hurricane to impact the continental United States since Hurricane Katrina. The storm has wreaked havoc across various states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, causing extensive storm surges, wind damage, and substantial inland flooding. Many neighborhoods have experienced significant flooding, leaving countless residents stranded and numerous homes destroyed. In response to the unprecedented devastation, recovery efforts are actively ongoing in the Southeast. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited the affected areas on Wednesday to assess the damage firsthand and to support ongoing search efforts for those who remain missing. “I am here to say the United States — the nation — has your back,” President Biden stated to a gathering in Raleigh, North Carolina. “We are not leaving until you are back on your feet completely.” Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, marking it as the most potent hurricane recorded in that area. Currently, approximately 1.2 million individuals remain without power across southern states, with South Carolina being the hardest hit, followed by North Carolina and Georgia. The storm has resulted in significant outages across multiple states, with power outage reports indicating that over 484,410 customers in South Carolina, 343,632 in North Carolina, and 354,418 in Georgia are experiencing power loss. In a commitment to aid in recovery efforts, President Biden announced on Wednesday the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to bolster the North Carolina National Guard. This initiative aims to expedite the distribution of critical supplies, such as food, water, and medicine, to isolated communities impacted by the storm. He emphasized the soldiers’ logistical capabilities to facilitate the rapid delivery of these vital resources. “Hurricane Helene has been a storm of historic proportion. My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced unthinkable loss. We are here for you — and we will stay here for as long as it takes,” added President Biden. In a joint communication released on Tuesday, Senate leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, urged Congress to convene in light of the devastation incurred by Hurricane Helene, highlighting the necessity to address the extensive recovery needs anticipated within affected communities. They suggested a meeting in October to ensure that legislative measures are enacted before the year concludes. The bipartisan letter reflected a collective commitment to assist the millions impacted by this disastrous event. Additionally, individuals wishing to extend their support to those affected by Hurricane Helene can contribute through the Red Cross, which is dedicated to providing relief and assistance to impacted communities. Contributions can be made at redcross.org/abc.
Hurricane Helene has emerged as a significant natural disaster impacting multiple states along the Southeastern United States. Its catastrophic impact has resulted in widespread devastation, similar to the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As communities grapple with the repercussions of the storm, government officials are mobilizing resources and military support to ensure that relief efforts are efficiently executed. The storm has caused not only loss of life but also considerable disruptions to infrastructure, including prolonged power outages and challenges in delivering essential services to affected individuals. Recovery and rebuilding are imperative as the nation comes together to support those in need.
In summary, Hurricane Helene has caused immense suffering and loss, with a confirmed death toll of 189 individuals, marking it as the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina. Urgent recovery efforts are underway, supported by federal and military resources, to address the needs of the thousands without power and the communities devastated by the storm. Congress is called upon to act promptly to provide the necessary relief for affected states. The resilience of impacted communities remains at the forefront as they receive assistance from local and national organizations dedicated to recovery efforts.
Original Source: 6abc.com
