Hurricane Helene’s Death Toll Surpasses 150 in the United States as Rescue Efforts Continue
The death toll from Hurricane Helene has exceeded 150 across the United States, with North Carolina and South Carolina suffering the most fatalities. Emergency services are engaged in restoration efforts while notable political figures, including President Biden and Vice President Harris, are set to survey the damaged areas. The hurricane’s intensity and devastation raise concerns over climate change’s influence on extreme weather events.
The toll from Hurricane Helene has now surpassed 150 deaths in the United States as emergency personnel continue to search for survivors in severely affected regions. As rescue efforts proceed, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Georgia on Wednesday to assess the storm’s impact. The hurricane, which primarily affected the southeastern United States, has led to at least 155 confirmed fatalities, as reported on Tuesday by authorities. President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris are both preparing to visit regions directly impacted by the hurricane, with Biden heading to North Carolina and South Carolina, while Harris is targeting Georgia. The states of North Carolina and South Carolina have experienced significant devastation, with North Carolina reporting 74 deaths, South Carolina 36, Georgia 25, Florida 14, Tennessee four, and Virginia two, according to local government and media sources compiled by AFP. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to restore essential services such as power and water, with hundreds still reported missing, although there is optimism that some may be located as cell phone services are restored. North Carolina’s Governor, Roy Cooper, described the destruction as unimaginable, stating, “Communities were wiped off the map.” He mentioned the numerous challenges facing recovery efforts, which include extensive power outages and blocked highways. Most severely affected is Buncombe County, which includes the tourist destination of Asheville, where 57 fatalities have been confirmed. Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina cautioned that the death toll in his state may also rise from the current count of 36. As of late Monday, over 1.4 million residences and businesses were still without power. The hurricane struck Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category Four storm on Thursday, packing winds of 140 miles per hour before proceeding inland and causing widespread destruction for over 500 miles. Political tensions have emerged regarding the response to the disaster, with former President Donald Trump criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of the situation. In response to questions about the role of climate change in the hurricane’s severity, President Biden affirmed, “Absolutely, positively, unequivocally, yes, yes, yes, yes.”
Hurricane Helene has posed a significant threat to the southeastern United States, leading to vast destruction and loss of life. As rescue efforts continue, the political implications of the disaster response unfold, impacting upcoming electoral campaigns. The storm’s intensity and the associated damage are contributing to wider discussions on climate change and its effects on extreme weather events. This context enhances the understanding of the death toll and the urgency of recovery efforts.
In summary, Hurricane Helene has resulted in a tragic loss of life exceeding 150 victims across multiple states. As both President Biden and Vice President Harris prepare to assess the damage, local administrations face the monumental challenge of restoration and recovery. The disaster not only highlights the immediate humanitarian crisis but also raises critical questions regarding climate change and governmental response in the face of natural disasters.
Original Source: www.france24.com
