Hurricane Helene Devastates Southeastern USA: 89 Lives Lost and Millions Without Power
The death toll from Hurricane Helene, which has wreaked havoc across the southeastern United States, has tragically risen to 89 as of Sunday, according to local authorities in the five affected states. Reports from CNN highlight that North Carolina has borne the brunt of the disaster, recording 36 fatalities. South Carolina is not far behind, with at least 24 lives lost, while Georgia has suffered a reported 17 deaths, two of which were caused by a tornado. In Florida, the aftermath of Helene has claimed at least 11 lives, and Virginia has reported one fatality.
Hurricane Helene made landfall early Friday morning in Florida, subsequently moving northward, where it has weakened to a tropical storm. The storm's departure has not brought relief, as extensive cleanup operations are now underway. Significant flooding has been reported, stretching from Florida to Virginia due to the torrential rains that followed the hurricane's path.
Power outages are widespread, with millions still affected. As of Sunday, approximately 27 million electricity customers are waiting for their power to be restored, according to the US Department of Energy. In Flat Rock, North Carolina, residents are grappling with extended blackouts. Local resident Chip Frank, aged 62, conveyed the desperation as he waited for over two hours at a gas station that was depleted of fuel. "It all depends on these gas stations. We can't get anywhere and it’s a frightening feeling,” he told Reuters.
The storm has not only caused tragic loss of life but has also inflicted devastating damage to infrastructure. Bridges and roads in several locations across the five states have been destroyed, further complicating recovery efforts. Estimates for the cost of damages due to Hurricane Helene range dramatically from $15 billion to $100 billion, which translates to between 100 billion and 668 billion Danish kroner. This disaster serves as a grim reminder of the potency of natural disasters and the profound impact they have on communities.
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