Death Toll from Hurricane Helene Exceeds 150 as Rescue Teams Search for Survivors

Hurricane Helene has resulted in over 155 deaths in the U.S., with significant impacts reported in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Rescue efforts are ongoing, as many are still unaccounted for. The hurricane has also sparked political discourse surrounding climate change and government response to natural disasters.

The death toll resulting from Hurricane Helene has tragically surpassed 155 as of Tuesday. Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors utilizing helicopters to navigate areas devastated by the storm where bridges have been destroyed. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Georgia on Wednesday to assess the hurricane’s impact, while President Joe Biden plans similar surveys in North and South Carolina. North Carolina, which has reported at least 74 fatalities, along with South Carolina and Georgia, are among the most affected states. The death toll specifically stands at 36 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, four in Tennessee, and two in Virginia, as compiled by local authorities and media sources. Hundreds remain unaccounted for, with officials expressing optimism about their safe recovery once cellular service is restored. Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina addressed the severity of the situation, stating, “We know that the devastation brought by hurricane Helene is beyond belief. Communities were wiped off the map.” He emphasized the enormity of the challenges faced, which include widespread power outages and blocked highways, highlighting the community’s struggle for emergency aid. Hurricane Helene made landfall on Florida’s northern Gulf Coast as a formidable Category Four hurricane, reaching wind speeds of 140 miles per hour. It caused widespread destruction over a path extending more than 500 miles inland before its intensity waned. The storm also ignited a political debate as former President Donald Trump criticized the current administration’s response. President Biden vehemently opposed the accusations, affirming that climate change is exacerbating such extreme weather events. He stated emphatically, “Absolutely, positively, unequivocally, yes, yes, yes, yes,” when questioned about global warming’s role in the devastation caused by the hurricane.

Hurricane Helene has caused catastrophic damage across several southeastern states in the U.S., leading to significant loss of life and prompting significant rescue and recovery efforts. As this storm has become one of the deadliest in recent history, it has sparked discussions regarding emergency management responses and the effects of climate change on storm intensity. The political ramifications of the storm are also considerable, given its timing as the U.S. approaches crucial elections in key states like North Carolina and Georgia.

In summary, Hurricane Helene has brought substantial human and structural losses to the southeastern United States, with the death toll exceeding 155. The devastation has prompted national leaders to respond, highlighting ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of disaster management and the increasing threat of climate change-related phenomena. Moving forward, communities require urgent support to recover and rebuild following this tragic event.

Original Source: www.france24.com