As the aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold, the death toll has tragically climbed to at least 166 individuals across six states. The latest update reveals that four more deaths have been reported in Henderson County, North Carolina, adding to the already devastating toll.
Helene now stands as the second-deadliest hurricane to have struck the US mainland in the past half-century, second only to the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which claimed the lives of at least 1,833 people.
The breakdown of fatalities from Helene by state is as follows:
- North Carolina: 77
- South Carolina: 36
- Georgia: 25
- Florida: 17
- Tennessee: 9
- Virginia: 2
These numbers serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of hurricanes and the importance of preparedness and response efforts in the face of such natural disasters. Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, and we stand in solidarity with the impacted communities as they work towards recovery and rebuilding.