WEATHER
How many people have been killed by Hurricane Helene?
There has been a devastating impact in parts of the United States as the storm surge continues to batter homes.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically risen to 45 as the storm wreaks havoc across the southeastern United States. In addition to this devastating loss of life, more than 3.2 million people are currently experiencing power outages across several states due to the severe winds and torrential rains that have battered the region.
The hardest-hit areas include South Carolina, where at least 19 people – two of them firefighters - have lost their lives. Georgia has reported 15 deaths, while Florida has seen eight fatalities. North Carolina has recorded two deaths, and Virginia has reported one. The numbers are sobering, but not entirely unexpected for a storm that has proven to be the strongest ever recorded in Florida’s Big Bend region.
Which states have been hit hardest by Hurricane Helene?
Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and parts of Virginia have been feeling the full wrath of Helene. The storm made landfall on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane, with winds roaring past 124 miles per hour. By the time it reached Georgia, the storm had weakened, with sustained winds dropping to a more manageable, but still dangerous, 40 mph. Despite the downgrade, meteorologists have warned residents not to relax just yet.
What’s the current hurricane situation?
Though Helene has weakened, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that the situation remains “extremely dangerous.” Flooding, high winds, and flying debris continue to pose serious threats. As of Friday, millions remained without electricity. The Biden-Harris administration, in a timely and thankfully proactive manner, had already taken significant steps to bolster state and local emergency response measures before Helene arrived.
The administration is keeping a close eye on the storm and has promised a “strong and well-coordinated federal response” to assist the recovery process. Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are personally involved, with a White House spokesperson emphasising the importance of staying vigilant, warning citizens in the affected areas to pay attention to local officials and, most importantly, evacuate if told to do so.
What can we expect next from Hurricane Helene?
As Helene continues to weaken, meteorologists have assured the public that the worst is over. However, they’ve also been careful to note that the hurricane season isn’t quite done with us yet – it’s not officially over until November. With that in mind, residents in hurricane-prone areas are advised to stay alert, keep their emergency kits close, and to consider having a backup generator if they don’t already.
While 45 lives have been tragically cut short by this storm, millions more are left to pick up the pieces in its wake. The damage is not only physical but emotional, as communities come together to rebuild in the face of nature’s relentless force.