Hurricane Helene leaves over 90 dead as relief efforts face challenges reaching remote locations in US

September 30, 2024 TruthUSA

At least 90 people are believed to have been killed in the wake of Hurricane Helene, as authorities across the southeast of the US struggle to get isolated areas critical supplies.

Days after the Category 4 hurricane struck the coast of Florida, many areas remain flooded, with blocked roads, failing infrastructure and more than two million still without electricity, Sky News’ US partner network NBC reported.

One of the worst affected states is North Carolina, where a third of the deaths caused by the hurricane were reported in the state’s Buncombe County, according to NBC.

Deaths have also been reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia.

In the mountain city of Asheville, North Carolina, 30 people are reported to have died. State governor Roy Cooper predicted the figure would rise as more than 50 search teams spread throughout the region in search of stranded people.

Supplies were also being airlifted to the region, with county manager Avril Pinder pledging that she would have food and water into Ashville – which is known for its arts, culture and natural attractions – by Monday. Elsewhere in the city, residents waited in line for $15 worth of gas.

One resident told NBC that the last natural disaster she experienced in the city was a snow blizzard in the ’90s, but added: “It wasn’t as bad as this though… this is a disaster.”

Free meals were also offered in three states: Florida, North Carolina and Georgia by the charity the World Central Kitchen to help communities impacted by Helene.

President Joe Biden described the storm’s impact as “stunning” and said in a post on X that he would make a trip to the area this week, as long as it does not disrupt rescues or recovery work.

He approved a disaster declaration for North Carolina, making federal funding available for affected individuals.

Vice president and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris also plans to visit areas impacted by the hurricane, a White House official said.

While Donald Trump’s campaign announced that he will go to Valdosta, Georgia, to survey the impact Helene has had on the state – which is one of several hotly contested battlegrounds that will be pivotal in November’s election.

Damage caused by Helene is estimated to be between $15bn (£11.2bn) and more than $100bn (£74bn), insurers and forecasters said over the weekend, as water systems, communications and critical transportation routes were affected.

In Horseshoe Beach, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, resident Charlene Huggins said she had lost a lot of memories as she looked through the debris of her destroyed home.

“Five generations lived in this house, from my grandmother, my father, myself, my daughter, son and my granddaughter,” she said, holding a chipped glass cake stand. “So there’s a lot of memories here. It just breaks your heart.”