Hurricane Helene has unleashed widespread destruction across the southeastern US, leaving at least 60 people dead as states from Florida to Virginia grapple with massive flooding, power outages, and damage to infrastructure. The storm, which made landfall on Thursday night, has severely impacted millions of residents and caused catastrophic damage to homes, roads, and bridges.
State and local officials in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia fear that the death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue. Damage estimates are currently between $15 billion and $100 billion, with officials predicting a clearer assessment in the coming days.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Deanne Criswell reported significant destruction to critical water systems, transportation routes, and communication networks. While the US government has the resources to manage the disaster, Criswell warned that recovery in the hardest-hit states will be long and complex.
As of Sunday, about 2.7 million customers remained without power. Florida's Gulf Coast suffered some of the worst damage, with storm surges reaching 15 feet. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed 11 deaths in the state, while other residents described the heartbreaking loss of homes that had stood for generations.
North Carolina also experienced extreme flooding, with 30 inches of rain falling in some areas. In Tennessee, officials monitored the stability of the Nolichucky Dam, though it was later deemed secure.
South Carolina recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 24 lives lost, while Georgia counted 17 deaths, including children. President Joe Biden vowed to spare no resources in the recovery effort, emphasizing the importance of swift rebuilding in affected communities.
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