Hurricane Helene has left a devastating impact on the mainland United States, ranking among the deadliest hurricanes to strike the country in the past 50 years. With a current death toll exceeding 100, the aftermath of this powerful storm continues to unfold.
When comparing the fatalities caused by recent hurricanes, Hurricane Katrina stands at the top of the list with at least 1,833 lives lost due to the storm and subsequent flooding. Following closely behind is Hurricane Ian, which struck southeast Florida in 2022 and resulted in 150 direct and indirect fatalities.
Helene now holds the third position on this grim list, surpassing Hurricane Irma from 2017, which claimed 92 lives in the US, primarily in Florida. Hurricane Harvey and Superstorm Sandy, with fatalities ranging between 60-75 in the US, also left a significant mark on the nation.
The impact of Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of these natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and response efforts in mitigating their toll on human lives and infrastructure.