Tallahassee, FL — Hurricane Helene wreaked unprecedented havoc after striking the Big Bend area of Florida late Thursday, becoming the strongest hurricane on record to hit the region. It caused widespread devastation across multiple Southeastern states, leading to at least 93 fatalities and leaving millions without power.
The disaster affected a swath of states including South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. North Carolina faced significant turmoil with a reported 36 deaths, massive power outages, and severe flooding that rendered many roads impassable, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
In South Carolina, the death toll reached 25. The fatalities included two brave firefighters in Saluda County. Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp confirmed 17 deaths, attributing some to a tornado that devastated communities.
As tens of thousands remained without power Sunday, energy departments faced enormous challenges in restoration efforts. The damage to infrastructure and ongoing adverse weather conditions made the timelines for power restoration unclear in several states, including Virginia where essential services cannot resume until power is fully restored.
The hurricane prompted significant road closures with around 450 roads shuttered in both North and South Carolina. This has severely hampered efforts to distribute essential supplies such as water, especially to places like Weaverville, North Carolina, where residents struggle without power and clean water delivery is compromised.
The Federal government declared a public health emergency in North Carolina and several other states to expedite federal support. Around 200 federal personnel were deployed to assess and aid healthcare facilities impacted by the storm.
Rescue operations were delayed by flooded streets, making it difficult to determine the full extent of damage and respond effectively, as indicated by North Carolina Governor Cooper. The conditions also left many stranded and in dire need of assistance, as rising waters turned residential areas into isolated islands.
An example from Asheville, where residents recounted harrowing experiences as water levels rose dangerously close to their homes, illustrated the chaos. Many sought refuge on higher floors or with neighbors, while others like Stevie Hollander and his family found themselves with limited food supplies, facing blocked roads that thwarted their attempts to evacuate.
Disaster also struck a more serene setting in Black Mountain, where a landslide abruptly interrupted a gathering, thrusting mud and debris through the building and forcing attendees into a frenzied escape.
Weather forecasts predicted the continuation of challenging conditions, with additional rainfall expected across already saturated regions of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. The National Weather Service warned that while new rainfall might not exacerbate the existing flooding, it could lead to further runoff problems.
As communities begin to assess and address the widespread destruction, the resilience and collective spirit of those affected will be paramount in overcoming the challenges posed by one of the most destructive hurricanes in recent history.