Death Toll from Hurricane Helene Exceeds 150 as Recovery Efforts Intensify

Hurricane Helene has caused over 150 deaths as rescue teams navigate severely affected areas. President Biden and Vice President Harris will survey damage in North and South Carolina and Georgia. Despite political tensions, both parties are addressing the catastrophic impact of the hurricane, highlighting concerns over climate change’s role in the disaster.

As rescue efforts continue, the toll from Hurricane Helene has tragically surpassed 150, with authorities reporting at least 155 fatalities as of Tuesday. Rescue teams are deploying helicopters to navigate regions where bridges have been destroyed, particularly in areas severely impacted by the storm. Notably, Democratic presidential contender Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Georgia on Wednesday to assess the hurricane’s aftermath. President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris are set to survey the extensive damage caused by the hurricane, which particularly devastated the southeastern United States. President Biden will be visiting North and South Carolina, while Vice President Harris, campaigning for the upcoming presidential election, will head to Georgia. These states have been identified as some of the hardest hit, also serving as significant battlegrounds in the upcoming election where Harris aims to unseat former President Donald Trump. The fatalities have been distributed across several states, with North Carolina reporting 74 deaths, South Carolina accounting for 36, Georgia with 25, Florida at 14, Tennessee with four, and Virginia logging two fatalities. Hundreds remain unaccounted for as emergency workers strive to restore essential services, facing significant challenges such as widespread power outages and blocked highways. Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina remarked on the disastrous effects, emphasizing the destruction of entire communities. Buncombe County in western North Carolina, notably affected, has recorded 57 fatalities. In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster has echoed concerns about the rising death toll, which he believes will continue to increase. As of Monday night, over 1.4 million customers were still without power due to Helene’s catastrophic impact. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category Four storm in Florida, with winds reaching 140 miles per hour, subsequently causing widespread destruction over a 500-mile area towards the inland regions. Amidst the disaster, political tensions have also surfaced, with Trump criticizing the Biden-Harris administration’s responsiveness to the crisis, which Biden rebutted, vindicating his commitment to addressing the consequences of climate change, stating, “Absolutely, positively, unequivocally, yes, yes, yes, yes,” in response to whether global warming contributed to the storm’s severity.

Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the southeastern United States has drawn national attention as the region grapples with significant loss of life and property. It underscores the ongoing public discussions regarding the relationship between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of destructive weather events. In the wake of the storm, political implications also arise as key officials navigate their roles in disaster recovery while actively campaigning, making the situation multifaceted both in human and political terms.

In summary, Hurricane Helene has resulted in a tragic death toll exceeding 150 individuals across multiple states in the southeastern United States. The aftermath has prompted significant political figures to engage in relief efforts while the region faces arduous recovery challenges. Governor Roy Cooper’s remarks highlight the profound devastation experienced in North Carolina, while the restoration of power and services remains critical as rescue operations continue. The event further emphasizes the ties between climate change and extreme weather, a point prominently recognized by President Biden.

Original Source: www.france24.com