Hurricane Helene Leaves Over 90 Dead, Widespread Destruction Across Southeastern U.S.

The Southeastern United States is facing a massive cleanup and recovery operation after Hurricane Helene ravaged the region, leaving at least 90 people dead and causing widespread damage. The storm, which brought powerful winds, torrential rain, and destructive storm surges, impacted states from Florida to Virginia, knocking out power for millions, washing away roads and bridges, and causing severe flooding.

As of Sunday, officials in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia confirmed 90 fatalities, with fears that more bodies could be discovered as search and rescue efforts continue. Buncombe County in North Carolina was hit particularly hard, with 30 confirmed deaths. County Manager Avril Pinder has requested emergency food and water, as parts of Asheville remain submerged. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper described the event as a catastrophe of “historic proportions,” with many in western North Carolina claiming they’ve never experienced such destruction.

Across the region, around 2.7 million people were left without power, though that number had decreased by 40% from Friday’s peak. Major infrastructure damage has delayed recovery efforts, and in Flat Rock, North Carolina, residents queued for hours for gas amidst widespread blackouts.

In South Carolina, 25 deaths were reported, Georgia had 17, and Florida confirmed 11 fatalities. President Joe Biden plans to visit the devastated areas later in the week to offer federal recovery assistance after declaring major disasters in several states. He referred to the damage as “stunning,” pledging long-term support.

Hurricane Helene first made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast late Thursday, causing extensive damage. Coastal areas, including Horseshoe Beach, saw entire homes destroyed. Charlene Huggins, a resident of Horseshoe Beach, returned to the remains of her family’s home, which had housed five generations. “It just breaks your heart,” she said, holding a treasured family heirloom.

Further along the coast in Steinhatchee, an eight to 10-foot storm surge pushed mobile homes from their foundations, with some areas experiencing surges up to 15 feet. Residents of the small fishing community Spring Warrior Fish Camp were still waiting for emergency aid as they began to sift through the wreckage. David Hall, a local hotel owner, expressed the isolation many feel, saying, “No one thinks of us back here.”

In neighboring Keaton Beach, Kristin Macqueen helped friends salvage what they could after their home was destroyed. “It’s complete devastation,” she said. “Houses have just been ripped off their slabs.”

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump plans to visit Valdosta, Georgia, to assess the damage and assist with relief efforts.