Hurricane Helene Causes Devastation in Virginia: Over 100 Reported Dead and Ongoing Rescue Efforts Underway

Hurricane Helene’s recent impact on Southwest Virginia has resulted in at least two deaths and left over 100 dead across the Southeastern U.S. Governor Glenn Youngkin reported extensive flooding and damage, as well as significant power outages affecting approximately 83,000 customers. The state is pursuing federal assistance to support recovery efforts amidst the threat of another storm forming off the Gulf Coast. Rescue operations are ongoing with substantial aid from the Virginia National Guard, while road closures and communication disruptions complicate relief efforts.

The impact of Hurricane Helene on Southwest Virginia has resulted in a reported death toll of at least two individuals, as officials prepare for another storm developing off the Gulf Coast. On Monday, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin provided updates regarding the devastation caused by Helene, which affected several states in the Southeastern region of the United States, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, with over 100 fatalities currently reported by the Associated Press. Governor Youngkin asserted the provision of unprecedented resources to assist Southwest Virginia. “I heard over, and over again: ‘I’ve lived here for 70, 80 years, I’ve never seen anything like this,'” he emphasized. This statement was made during his visit to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center, following the Emergency Disaster Declaration approved by President Biden. This declaration will allow assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the counties of Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, in addition to the city of Galax, with expectations for further inclusion of thirteen counties and five cities. According to the National Weather Service, Galax experienced approximately 8.6 inches of rain over a period of 72 hours, producing severe flooding in nearby areas. The town of Damascus, which has a population of roughly 788, faced dramatic flooding, measuring 19.5 feet at one point. 70 swift water rescue operations were conducted, with the Virginia National Guard deploying helicopter units to rescue individuals from perilous situations, including an operation that saved approximately 50 individuals from a hospital roof in Tennessee. The storm compromised electrical services for around 282,000 Appalachian Power customers, though this figure had decreased to 83,000 by Monday afternoon. Cell-phone service disruptions continue to complicate relief efforts, prompting the deployment of mobile communication towers to the affected areas. Residents have been encouraged to utilize local shelters for essential services including meals and sanitation. As rescue operations continue, road closures remain problematic; over 817 miles of road have been cleared by the Virginia Department of Forestry, yet detours remain commonplace due to damaged routes. Governor Youngkin has indicated that further assessments will be conducted to quantify the overall impact and damages, stating, “It’s going to be big… All of that has got to be assessed. It’s a lot.” As Virginia aims to request a Major Disaster Declaration to facilitate federal funding for post-disaster relief, recent partisan disagreements in Congress have led to concerns regarding the acquisition of FEMA funds to support recovery efforts. The National Weather Service continues to monitor the situation as forecasts predict additional rain, exacerbating fears of increased flooding, particularly in areas already heavily affected by the storm, such as the New River Valley.

The backdrop of this report encompasses the consequences of Hurricane Helene, which recently traversed through several states in the Southeastern United States, prompting significant concern for the safety and well-being of Virginia residents. The storm has left communities grappling with severe flooding, power outages, and infrastructural damage, necessitating immediate relief efforts and assessments by state and federal agencies. Governor Youngkin’s administration is actively working to secure financial assistance from federal sources while addressing ongoing rescue operations and infrastructural repairs.

In summary, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has created a critical situation in Southwest Virginia, as the region grapples with loss of life, severe flooding, and infrastructural damage. Governor Youngkin’s administration is working diligently to procure federal assistance and manage rescue operations in the wake of a disaster that has not only impacted Virginia but a number of Southeastern states. The potential impact of another incoming storm adds urgency to recovery efforts and highlights the challenges posed by increasingly severe weather events contributed by climate change.

Original Source: virginiamercury.com