As the aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold, the death toll has tragically risen to at least 180 people across six states. This devastating storm has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of the impact.
With 91 reported deaths in North Carolina alone, the state has seen the highest number of casualties. South Carolina follows with 36 reported deaths, while Georgia has reported 25 fatalities. Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia have also been affected, with 17, 9, and 2 reported deaths respectively.
Helene now stands as the second-deadliest hurricane to hit the US mainland in the past 50 years, second only to the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which claimed the lives of at least 1,833 people.
The scale of the devastation caused by Helene serves 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 thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy as communities come together to begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.