At least 162 people have tragically lost their lives across six states in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The death toll continues to rise as emergency crews work tirelessly to locate missing individuals and assess the widespread destruction caused by the storm.
Helene now stands as the second-deadliest hurricane to hit the US mainland in the last five decades, second only to the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which claimed the lives of at least 1,833 people.
Among the victims are brave first responders who put their lives on the line to help others, as well as a heart-wrenching loss of a Georgia mother and her twin 1-year-old boys.
The impact of Hurricane Helene has been felt far and wide, leaving communities reeling from the devastation and mourning the loss of loved ones. The storm's destructive force serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature.
As recovery efforts continue and affected areas begin the long process of rebuilding, our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy. May they find strength and support in the face of such immense loss.