Helene latest: Communities ‘wiped off map’ as 600 remain unaccounted for and officials beg for resources
‘It looks like a bomb went off,’ Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said of his state, as deaths have now been reported in North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Tennesse
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Donald Trump visited storm-ravaged Georgia on Monday afternoon to survey recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, which tore through the southeast late last week.
At least 132 people have been killed after the hurricane slammed into Florida last Thursday then tore a path north, bringing catastrophic flooding and powerful winds. More than 600 people remain missing in a single North Carolina county.
Deaths also have been reported in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee.
In Buncombe County, North Carolina, at least 35 have died and fears are growing for around 600 people reported missing. Landslides have devastated the southern Appalachia region.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper told CNN on Monday that communities there were “wiped off that map.”
President Joe Biden said he plans to visit North Carolina on Wednesday. Millions have been left without power, communications cut off and hundreds of roads closed due to damage.
Officials have warned of the challenges of getting crucial supplies such as water to those in need.
This comes as Tropical Storm Kirk is likely to become a hurricane on Tuesday.
Supplies are rushed to North Carolina communities left isolated after Helene
TV reporter interrupts live broadcast to rescue trapped woman during Hurricane Helene
Head of FEMA says ‘historic’ destruction caused by Helene is linked to climate crisis
Hurricane Hunters fly into Category 4 Hurricane Helene for important reason
How Helene became the near-perfect storm to bring widespread destruction across the South
North Carolina governor gives update on relief efforts
Watch as North Carolina governor Roy Cooper provides an update in state relief efforts.
Helene sets records in Florida
Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday, with winds up to 140-mile-per-hour. Fueled by very warm ocean temperatures, the storm was the strongest ever to strike the area.
The hurricane broke storm surge records across the Gulf Coast, many of which were last set just over a year ago, when Hurricane Idalia drenched the same area.
A record-high storm surge also inundated the Tampa Bay region, including in areas that had rarely, or never, seen flooding.
Another tropical depression could form in Atlantic
A disturbance off the coast of Cabo Verde could form into a tropical depression in the next 48 hours, the National Hurricane Center said.
The area of low-pressure has a 60 percent change of forming into a tropical cyclone in the next two days and 80 percent chance of forming in the next seven days.
It could take a similar path as Hurricane Helene, which escalated rapidly before hitting Florida and the southeastern region of the United States.
Manataee washed onto shore is rescused
A manatee was rescued and released back into Tampa Bay after being washed ashore because of Hurricane Helene’s coastal surge.
The MacDill Air Force Base, located in Tampa, brought the manatee back into waters, it said in a Facebook post.
The manatee, named Troy, is estimated to be two or three years old.
Biden approves major disaster declaration for Florida, North Carolina
President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Florida and North Carolina, two of the states most hard hit by the tropical storm that swept through the region over the weekend.
The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals throughout the state. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Asheville, North Carolina is devastated
The city of Asheville in North Carolina, located less than 100 miles from Charlotte, is one of the places hardest hit as a result of Helene.
Parts of the city were completely underwater. Some people needed to be air-rescued from the roof of their homes as they sought to escape fast-moving waters. Stories and photos of the aftermath are reminiscent of Hurricane Sandy or Hurricane Katrina.
The city has no electricity or any phone service.
There have been deaths in the county but the Emergency Services Director said they were not ready to report specifics because inaccessibility has made it difficult to report next of kin. On social media, families have asked other to help them check in or find their relatives stranded in the city.
At least 64 dead
At least 64 people have died as a result of Hurricane Helene, which brought significant flooding that caused many to become stranded.
At least 25 people were killed in South Carolina, making it the second deadliest tropical cyclone in the states since 1989. Florida has recorded 11 deaths, most of which were drownings that occurred at homes that were asked to be evacuated.
Deaths have also been reported in Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.
Millions of people remain without power
Watch: Hurricane Helene aftermath in Hernando County, Florida
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments