Hurricane Helene has devastated the southeastern US, causing at least 52 deaths and billions of dollars in damages. The powerful storm struck Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane, with winds reaching 140 mph (225 kph), and swiftly swept through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. Over 3 million customers faced power outages over the weekend, while flood threats persisted.
The hurricane’s impact was severe, uprooting trees, damaging homes, and causing rivers and creeks to overflow. In western North Carolina, landslides and flooding resulted in significant road closures, including Interstate 40. Asheville witnessed substantial flooding, making communication difficult.
Francine Cavanaugh, concerned about her relatives and friends in Asheville, highlighted the dire situation as people were left without cell service or electricity. She described the last conversation with her sister, who had checked on guests at a vacation cabin before communication was lost.
Efforts to rescue those stranded included a dramatic helicopter operation in Unicoi County, Tennessee, where patients and staff were evacuated from a flooded hospital.
The storm, now a post-tropical cyclone, lingered over the Tennessee Valley with ongoing flood and high wind warnings across several states. Overall, 48 fatalities have been confirmed, including three firefighters, a mother and her twin infants, and an elderly woman struck by a falling tree, spanning Florida to Virginia.
In Tampa’s Davis Islands, known for its affluent residents, the community faced unexpected storm surges, leading to widespread flooding of homes and businesses. Resident Faith Pilafas expressed the community’s shock, noting that many had underestimated the storm’s impact.
Hurricane Helene leaves a tragic and extensive trail of destruction, highlighting the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the face of natural disasters.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/at-least-52-dead-millions-without-power-as-hurricane-helene-leaves-trail-of-destruction-across-southeastern-us-11727540755379.html
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