Hurricane Helene Leaves “Biblical Devastation” in North Carolina
Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across five south-eastern US states, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of more than 60 people. The hardest-hit area appears to be North Carolina, where officials are describing the aftermath as “biblical devastation.”
The storm, which started as a hurricane and made its way through Florida and Georgia before hitting North Carolina, brought torrential rain, flooding, and mudslides to the region. More than 400 roads in the state are closed, and 11 people have tragically lost their lives. Homes have been destroyed, towns have been cut off, water systems are down, and hundreds of thousands are without power.
Governor Roy Cooper declared the storm’s impact as “catastrophic devastation of historic proportions.” The American Red Cross has opened over 140 shelters for evacuees in the affected states, with more than 2,000 people seeking refuge.
In Buncombe County, North Carolina, around 1,000 people remain unaccounted for, according to Sheriff Quentin Miller. Emergency official Ryan Cole described the situation as “biblical devastation” in the county, which includes the city of Asheville, a popular tourist destination that was largely cut off by flooding.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with supplies being delivered by air to areas inaccessible due to closed roads. The North Carolina National Guard has rescued over 119 people, including an infant, with efforts hampered by power outages and mobile service disruptions.
The total damage caused by Hurricane Helene is estimated to be between $95 billion and $110 billion. The search for survivors continues, and federal emergencies have been declared in six states. President Joe Biden expressed his shock at the devastation and directed FEMA to expedite support to storm survivors.
As the region begins to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the threat of further storms looms. Forecasters warn of continued high winds, flooding, and the potential for tornadoes. With hurricane season not ending until November 30, officials are bracing for the possibility of more storms on the horizon.
