Hurricane Helene Leaves Trail of Destruction in Southeastern U.S., Over 60 Dead and Thousands Displaced

Hurricane Helene has wreaked catastrophic havoc across five southeastern U.S. states, leading to over 60 confirmed fatalities. North Carolina has faced particularly severe impacts, with officials describing the destruction as “biblical devastation.”

After making landfall in Florida and moving through Georgia, Helene unleashed torrential rains that resulted in extreme flooding and mudslides, significantly damaging infrastructure and isolating many towns.

The extent of the destruction in North Carolina is becoming increasingly evident as recovery efforts unfold. Governor Roy Cooper reported that more than 400 roads are currently closed, isolating entire communities due to flooding.

The state has recorded at least 11 fatalities, with approximately 1,000 people still unaccounted for in Buncombe County. Asheville, a popular mountain city, has been heavily impacted, with flooding effectively cutting it off from surrounding areas.

In response to this emergency, the American Red Cross has set up over 140 shelters to accommodate evacuees throughout the affected southeastern states. As of Sunday, these shelters have housed more than 2,000 individuals seeking refuge from the disaster.

Local residents, including business owners like Erin Quevedo, are working to salvage what they can from their inundated properties, highlighting the human cost of the storm. Rescue operations continue, with supplies being delivered by air to areas inaccessible by road.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has resulted in over 300,000 residents in North Carolina being without power, complicating recovery efforts. Additionally, widespread mobile service outages have hindered communication, making it difficult for people to contact emergency services.

Challenges persist in accessing heavily damaged regions of western North Carolina, where all roads remain closed due to debris and fallen trees.

The financial toll of the storm is estimated to range between $95 billion and $110 billion. Federal emergencies have been declared in six states, including Florida and Georgia, where fatalities have also increased significantly. President Joe Biden described the situation as overwhelming and has directed FEMA to accelerate support for those affected.

While Hurricane Helene has weakened, forecasters warn that high winds, flooding, and the risk of tornadoes may continue, with the potential for additional storms as hurricane season approaches its official end on November 30.