In the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in the US, massive search and rescue operations have begun in the affected states, with efforts under way to provide emergency food and water supplies to remote locations that have been cut off. The death toll of the hurricane has topped 100 in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, with CNN putting the national toll at 128, citing state and local officials. Fifty-six of the fatalities are believed to be in North Carolina alone.
Hurricane Helene hit Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane with 225 kph winds. According to AFP, the storm caused widespread destruction across the aforementioned states. Heavy rains have caused rivers and creeks to flood and put pressure on dams. High winds and torrential rains have devastated towns and flooded and damaged roads. A Reuters report, quoting the website Poweroutage.us, said 1.8 million homes and businesses remained without power on Monday.
As per an Associated Press (AP) report, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has asked residents in western parts of the state to avoid travel for their safety and to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
The Reuters report said around 300 roads were closed and over 7,000 people had registered for US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. The US National Guard is providing 1,000 tonnes of food and water to remote areas by plane and helicopter.
The report said President Joe Biden may ask the Congress to return to Washington for a special session to pass supplemental aid funding. "There's nothing like wondering, 'is my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father alive?'" Biden said at the White House.
"Many more will remain without electricity, water, food and communications, and whose homes and businesses are washed away in an instant... I want them to know we're not leaving until the job is done."