Hurricane Helene claims 128 lives, devastates Southeast
Helene's destruction leaves Southeast in crisis; death toll likely to rise
Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction in the South, transforming the landscape into a scene of splintered homes, crushed cargo containers, and mud-soaked highways. The death toll has surpassed 125. In western North Carolina, a crisis unfolded as residents, cut off by washed-out roads and without power or cellular service, lined up for fresh water and a chance to contact relatives. By Monday, the storm had claimed at least 128 lives across six Southeastern states, with the number expected to rise as rescuers and emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads and severe flooding.
North Carolina’s Governor, Roy Cooper, anticipated a higher death toll as rescuers accessed the most isolated areas. White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall mentioned up to 600 people were unaccounted for on Monday afternoon, suggesting some might be deceased. Government officials and aid groups worked tirelessly to deliver essential supplies to Asheville and surrounding mountain towns. At least 40 people lost their lives in the county encompassing Asheville. The devastation was immense. A flattened cargo container lay on a bridge over a muddy river. Overturned boats and broken docks littered a scenic lake. A woman, cradling her child, joined others on a hillside with a cell signal, sending messages like “I’m OK.”
The storm had tragic consequences in North Carolina, with numerous stories of people trapped by floodwaters or killed by falling trees. Among the fatalities, a courthouse security officer drowned in his truck, and a family waiting for rescue on a rooftop perished when part of their home collapsed. Rescuers did save dozens, including an infant and two others stranded on top of a car in Atlanta. Over 50 patients and staff were airlifted from a hospital rooftop in Tennessee.
At least 120 killed, 600+ missing as Helene wreaks havoc in Southeast region pic.twitter.com/azXZAS7ZFg
— SHO’NUFF (@IAMSHO_NUFF) October 1, 2024
Major routes into Asheville, including Interstate 40, were washed away or blocked by mudslides, severely damaging the city’s water system. Residents resorted to scooping creek water to flush toilets. In one neighbourhood, people shared food and water, comforting each other amid the destruction. Sommerville Johnston, whose home had been without power since Friday, planned to cook venison stew for her neighbours. Others queued at Mountain Valley Water to fill containers. Derek Farmer, holding three apple juice jugs, admitted his nervousness after three days without water. Officials warned that rebuilding would be a lengthy and challenging process.
The storm affected the entire Southeast, with deaths reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. Video footage showed debris, including overturned boats and broken docks, covering Lake Lure near Asheville. Helene hit northern Florida as a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday, moving through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee with heavy rains. Hundreds of roads in western North Carolina were closed, and shelters housed more than 1,000 people. Cooper urged residents to avoid travel to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Over 50 search teams were deployed across the region.
In Asheville, people gathered on high ground where they could find a cell signal. Colleen Burnet, among them, remarked on the blur of days since the storm. Helene brought the worst flooding in a century to North Carolina, with some areas receiving over two feet of rain since Wednesday. President Joe Biden assured that federal support would continue for as long as needed. He planned to request additional funds from Congress for disaster assistance and to visit North Carolina later in the week. Ten federal search and rescue teams were already on the ground, with nine more on their way, while FEMA dispatched trucks and cargo planes with food and water.
💔💔💔Hurricane Helene: 128 people are dead and communities are ‘wiped off the map.’ | CNN https://t.co/0weyTRrrsn
— Blonde Technology (@BlondeTechCEO) October 1, 2024
Western North Carolina was particularly hard-hit due to the higher elevations and cooler air of the Appalachian Mountains, which intensified the rainfall. The already saturated ground exacerbated the flooding. Meteorologist Christiaan Patterson explained that the area had received significant rainfall before Helene’s arrival, compounding the disaster. Climate change has intensified such storms, turning them into powerful cyclones more rapidly.
In Florida, Clearwater Marine Aquarium was flooded, forcing the relocation of two manatees and sea turtles. Although the animals were safe, much of the aquarium’s equipment was damaged, according to executive director James Powell. Georgia’s Governor, Brian Kemp, noted the storm spared no one. Augusta, a city of 200,000 near the South Carolina border, remained without power on Monday. With 25 deaths, Helene was the deadliest tropical cyclone to hit South Carolina since Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Kirk formed on Monday in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Expected to become a powerful hurricane by Tuesday night or Wednesday, it posed no immediate threat to land, located about 700 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands with winds of 45 mph.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Yahoo News reports that supplies are being airlifted to North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene, with a focus on reaching isolated areas and addressing the devastating impact, including significant flooding and loss of life.(read more)
- WSVN reports on Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, with supplies arriving by plane and mule in North Carolina as the death toll tops 100, highlighting isolated communities’ struggles.(read more)
- AP News reports on the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, with over 133 deaths, extensive flooding, and urgent supplies being rushed to isolated areas like Asheville.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the death toll from Hurricane Helene?
The death toll from Hurricane Helene has topped 125.
How are residents in Asheville coping with the aftermath?
Residents are lining up for fresh water, scooping creek water to flush toilets, and sharing food.
Why was western North Carolina hit so hard?
Western North Carolina’s higher elevations and saturated ground caused more rain and severe flooding.
What are officials doing to help the affected areas?
Officials are delivering supplies by air, truck, and mule, and search teams are looking for stranded people.
Is there another storm expected soon?
Tropical Storm Kirk formed and is expected to become a powerful hurricane, but it’s not a threat to land yet.
