Hurricane Helene: The Deadliest Storm Since Katrina with 182 Confirmed Fatalities

Hurricane Helene has claimed 182 lives, making it the deadliest storm since Katrina, with significant destruction reported primarily in North Carolina and South Carolina. President Biden visited affected areas while authorities warn of more fatalities and investigate circumstances surrounding the storm’s severe impact. Studies indicate climate change has intensified Helene’s strength, leading to increased rainfall and catastrophic flooding.

Hurricane Helene has emerged as the most lethal storm since Hurricane Katrina, claiming 182 lives across six southeastern states by Wednesday. The majority of fatalities have been reported in North Carolina, where severe flooding resulted from swollen rivers and landslides, along with significant losses in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. Authorities expect additional fatalities to be reported shortly, particularly in North Carolina. In South Carolina, where power outages affected 449,000 residents, fatalities rose to 39. Liz Sherwood-Randall, Homeland Security Advisor, noted the potential for up to 600 missing persons, although she emphasized that the figures are inconsistent and unverified. President Joe Biden visited Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday to engage with first responders and impacted residents, commending both the Democratic and Republican governors for their crisis management. He stated, “No one can deny the impact of the climate crisis anymore,” emphasizing that storms are intensifying. North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains experienced severe devastation, with at least 57 deaths documented near Asheville, a popular tourist destination. South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster confirmed a total of 36 deaths, including a poignant case of an elderly couple found deceased together after a tree fell on their home. In Tennessee, investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding a plastics factory where 11 workers were caught in flooding; only five were rescued, with two confirmed fatalities. Recovery efforts are underway, involving thousands of federal personnel, and hundreds remain unaccounted for across the affected states. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida and progressed along the east coast, generating a recorded 15-foot storm surge in Taylor County and 29 inches of rainfall in parts of North Carolina. Helene’s death toll makes it the second deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which resulted in nearly 1,400 fatalities. Recent studies indicate that climate change contributed to making Helene stronger and wetter, with rainfall amounts that were 20% heavier and winds 7% stronger than would have otherwise occurred. Deanne Criswell, the head of FEMA, linked the storm’s intense flooding and damage to the ongoing climate emergency, pointing out that warm waters in the Gulf directly influence the frequency and severity of such hurricanes. The overall devastation reflects a growing concern regarding the enhanced impact of climate change on weather patterns, urging a critical reassessment of our preparedness and response strategies for future storms.

Hurricanes, particularly those impacting the United States, have historically resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage. Hurricane Katrina, which struck in 2005, remains a benchmark for understanding the disastrous effects of storms. Recent events, such as Hurricane Ian in 2022, have shown a troubling trend of increasing storm severity, which researchers attribute to climate change. The intensification of storms is frequently linked to elevated sea surface temperatures that contribute to higher wind speeds and increased precipitation, as noted by national authorities and climate experts.

Hurricane Helene has established itself as a deadly storm, resulting in a tragic loss of life across multiple states, most significantly in North Carolina and South Carolina. With investigations underway and recovery efforts in full swing, the storm underscores the urgent need to address the implications of climate change on weather events. The data indicating a stronger and wetter storm pattern due to human influences necessitates immediate action to enhance disaster preparedness and response strategies.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk