The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has resulted in more than 210 confirmed fatalities, marking it as the second deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland in over 50 years.
The storm’s destructive path affected several states, including North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia.
President Joe Biden has made multiple visits to the Southeast, expressing solidarity with the affected communities as they face a daunting recovery process.
Helene brought unprecedented flooding to towns and cities, rendering numerous roads impassable, and knocking out essential services like power and water.
Official reports indicate that North Carolina suffered the majority of the casualties, with the disaster described by locals as “post-apocalyptic.”
President Biden pledges federal support while climate change intensifies storms like Hurricane Helene.Biden reassured residents during a visit to a damaged pecan farm in Georgia, stating, “I see you, I hear you, I grieve with you—and I promise you, we have your back.”
As rescue efforts continue across six states, the death toll may increase, particularly in remote mountainous areas where residents remain unaccounted for.
Landslides and destroyed infrastructure have isolated many communities. In Asheville, thick mud blankets the streets, and buildings near riverbanks have been swept away.
Residents are uniting to assist one another, sharing resources and providing mutual support amid the devastation.
The storm made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, with wind speeds reaching 140 miles per hour.
Climate experts have noted that the rapid intensification of storms like Helene is likely linked to climate change, which increases ocean temperatures and, consequently, storm energy.
The Sierra Club has emphasized that the catastrophic impacts witnessed in the Southeast are emblematic of the ongoing climate crisis, urging for a collective response to address these challenges.