Hurricane Helene has left a devastating toll on the U.S. Southeast, with the death count surpassing 200 and hundreds of people still missing. North Carolina bore the brunt of the destruction, with entire communities in disarray, making it the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Nearly a million homes remain without power a week after Helene made landfall. Rescue teams continue their search for survivors as recovery operations are hindered by blocked roads and a lack of essential services in many areas.
President Joe Biden has visited Florida and Georgia to assess the damage and meet with affected residents. During his visit, he reassured those impacted that the federal government would provide full support, promising that aid would remain in place until communities are fully restored.
He has already approved federal disaster assistance for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Some areas, especially in North Carolina, still face severe challenges, with tens of thousands of people left without clean water.
Over 200 Dead as Hurricane Helene Ravages U.S. Southeast, Millions Still Without PowerIn response to the isolation of certain communities, private citizens have stepped in to help. A team from Mountain Mule Packer Ranch has been instrumental in delivering essential supplies to remote areas using mules, as traditional vehicles are unable to pass through the damaged and debris-filled roads.
These animals have been crucial in transporting vital goods such as food, medical supplies, and baby products to people who have been cut off from aid. Deep mud and storm debris have made it difficult to access these locations through regular means.
The military has also been heavily involved in the relief effort, with over 6,700 National Guard members and 1,000 active-duty soldiers assisting in the recovery process. Many prison inmates were relocated to North Carolina due to power outages and a lack of running water, while countless roads remain impassable.
Despite these efforts, more than 900,000 people are still without electricity across the southeastern states. The federal government has committed to covering the costs of emergency protective measures and debris removal for up to six months in North Carolina and three months in other states, ensuring that the hardest-hit areas receive the support they need.
Looking ahead, concerns remain as the Atlantic hurricane season continues. Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas has warned that FEMA is running out of resources, making it difficult to respond to another major storm.
Meanwhile, two additional storms, Hurricane Kirk and Tropical Storm Leslie, are forming in the Atlantic, but neither is expected to pose a direct threat to the U.S. However, the risk of further severe weather complicates ongoing recovery efforts, leaving many uncertain about the region’s future.