Hurricane Helene has caused over 210 confirmed deaths, making it the second deadliest hurricane in the U.S. in over fifty years. President Biden has emphasized the federal government’s support in recovery efforts as communities face unprecedented destruction across several southeastern states, particularly North Carolina, which has experienced severe flooding and infrastructure challenges.
Hurricane Helene has now resulted in more than 210 confirmed fatalities following its devastating impact across several states in the United States, as reported by officials on Thursday, October 3. This catastrophic storm is recognized as the second deadliest to strike the U.S. mainland in over fifty years. President Joe Biden has made consecutive visits to the southeastern region of the country, expressing solidarity with the residents affected by this calamity, which has severely disrupted the lives of millions. The brunt of the destruction was felt in towns and urban areas devastated by flooding, where numerous roadways became impassable, and utilities such as power and water were rendered inoperative. Many communities remain in shock as they confront the daunting task of recovery that is anticipated to take several years. According to a comprehensive data compilation by Agence France-Presse (AFP), a total of 212 lives have been lost across North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, with North Carolina bearing the heaviest toll — over half of the fatalities occurred in this state, which is now facing an unprecedented disaster likened to a post-apocalyptic scenario. During an inspection of a damaged pecan farm located in Ray City, Georgia, President Biden conveyed his compassion and commitment to supporting the affected families: “I see you, I hear you, I grieve with you – and I promise you, we have your back.” Hurricane Helene has emerged as the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which claimed 1,392 lives. The death toll is expected to continue rising as many residents remain unaccounted for, particularly in isolated mountainous regions where rescue operations are ongoing. As stated by authorities in Buncombe County, North Carolina, a significant portion of the population remains cut off from assistance due to landslides and destroyed transportation infrastructure. The city of Asheville, a popular tourist destination, has been heavily impacted, with streets now covered in thick mud due to flooding. Authorities continue their search for survivors in the more remote areas while downtown, local restaurants and aid organizations are offering complimentary food and water to those in need. Repair crews are faced with the challenge of restoring power to the hundreds of thousands of customers who remain without electricity. In the nearby town of Swannanoa, residents are coming together to support one another during this crisis, helping to clear roads and restore power, as noted by local resident Shelby Holzhauser: “We’re all sticking together. Everybody’s helping each other.” During Thursday’s visit to Florida’s Gulf Coast, where Helene made its initial landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane with recorded wind speeds of 225 kilometers per hour, President Biden took an aerial tour of the destruction and walked through neighborhoods filled with obliterated homes. “Homes were just wiped away, just an entire island gone,” he remarked, highlighting the scale of loss faced by families. He assured the public of the federal government’s unwavering support for recovery efforts. Experts suggest that climate change has likely influenced the rapid intensification of storms like Helene, providing them more energy from increasingly warmer ocean waters. President Biden reiterated this perspective, stating, “A person must be brain-dead to deny the climate crisis and its impact.” In a contrasting response, former President Donald Trump has criticized the current administration’s disaster response, falsely suggesting that federal aid is lacking. He has also dismissed climate change as a hoax while linking government funding issues to unrelated topics. Naturalist organizations such as the Sierra Club indicated that Helene’s destructive capabilities were enhanced by exceptionally warm water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. The executive director, Ben Jealous, emphasized, “Make no mistake: the unimaginable devastation we’re seeing across the Southeast is the climate crisis in action.”
Hurricane Helene has been a significant natural disaster, classified as the second deadliest hurricane to impact the contiguous United States in more than fifty years. Its devastation spanned multiple states, primarily North Carolina, where the majority of the fatalities occurred. The hurricane caused flooding, infrastructure damage, and immense loss to communities already vulnerable to natural disasters. The discussion surrounding the storm included political responses, emergency aid, and an increasing concern about the impact of climate change on storm intensity and frequency.
In summary, Hurricane Helene has tragically resulted in over 210 confirmed fatalities and extensive damage across multiple states, marking it as one of the deadliest storms in recent history. President Biden’s administration is actively focusing on recovery efforts, while discussions regarding climate change continue to shape the understanding of such catastrophic storms. The collective response of communities, authorities, and organizations is crucial as they navigate the challenges of recovery and support for those affected by this disaster.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
