Hurricane Helene Becomes Deadliest Storm Since Katrina with 182 Confirmed Fatalities
Hurricane Helene has been confirmed as the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina, resulting in 182 fatalities across six southeastern states, predominantly in North Carolina. The storm caused widespread flooding, landslides, and substantial power outages. Officials warn that the death toll may continue to rise, and studies indicate that human-caused climate change intensified Helene’s destructive impact, leading to a shift from wind damage to significant water-related destruction.
Hurricane Helene has emerged as the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina, with fatalities reaching 182 reported across six southeastern states as of Wednesday. The most significant loss of life occurred in North Carolina, which endured severe flooding driven by swollen rivers, landslides, and debris. South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia also recorded casualties related to the storm. Forecasts suggest that the death toll may rise, particularly in North Carolina, where additional fatalities are anticipated. Power outages in South Carolina still affected approximately 449,000 residents, leading to reported deaths numbering 39. Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall cautioned about the potential for the number of lost lives to approach 600, although these figures remain unconfirmed. President Joe Biden visited Raleigh, North Carolina, to meet with first responders and citizens impacted by the hurricane while commending both North Carolina’s Democratic governor Roy Cooper and South Carolina’s Republican governor Henry McMaster for their coordinated disaster responses. The president emphasized the undeniable influence of climate change, stating, “No one can deny the impact of the climate crisis anymore,” and noted the increasing intensity of storms. The catastrophic effects of Helene were particularly severe in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where at least 57 fatalities occurred around Asheville, a popular tourist destination. South Carolina’s governor confirmed that the death toll from the storm had risen to 36, with heartbreaking stories emerging, such as that of a couple killed by a falling tree while in bed together. In Tennessee, investigations are underway regarding a plastics factory where 11 workers were swept away by floodwaters due to inadequate safety measures against the storm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported the extensive devastation caused by Helene after it made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend, ultimately leading to the regions’ destructive aftermath across several states. Helene’s storm surge hit Florida with heights of 15 feet, compounded by wind speeds reaching 140 mph, while certain areas of western North Carolina received unprecedented rainfall of 29 inches. Two studies released recently indicated that human-induced climate change significantly intensified Helene’s rainfall and winds, leading to its devastating impact. These findings reinforce conclusions drawn by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who pointed to rising Gulf temperatures creating conditions conducive to severe hurricane destruction. This storm demonstrates a shift in damage patterns from primarily wind-related harm to significant water damage due to warmer ocean temperatures, reflecting the broader implications of climate change on severe weather events.
The article discusses the impact of Hurricane Helene, which has resulted in 182 confirmed fatalities across multiple southeastern states, marking it as the deadliest hurricane since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It highlights the geography of the devastation, the rainfall, the rising number of casualties, the federal response, and the implications of climate change as a contributing factor to the storm’s severity, along with personal accounts from affected individuals and officials. Additionally, it presents insights into the evolving nature of hurricane damage in the context of climate change’s effects on storm intensity and behavior.
In summary, Hurricane Helene’s emergence as the deadliest storm since Hurricane Katrina serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic impact of severe weather events exacerbated by climate change. With rising fatalities and extensive damage reported, the need for comprehensive disaster response and environment-focused policy is highlighted. The collective effort of governmental agencies and local authorities in addressing recovery and resilience against future storms underscores the urgency of recognizing the implications of climate change on natural disasters.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
