Southeast US Reels As Storm Helene Death Toll Hits 200
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published October 04, 2024 | 08:50 AM
Asheville, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Oct, 2024) More than 200 people are now confirmed dead after Hurricane Helene carved a path of destruction through several US states, officials said Thursday, making it the second deadliest storm to hit the US mainland in more than half a century.
US President Joe Biden made his second straight day of visits to the country's southeast to grieve with residents of a region traumatized by a disaster that has upended life for millions. The storm flooded towns, made countless roads impassable, knocked out power and water service, and left communities shell-shocked.
A compilation of official figures by AFP confirms 201 fatalities across North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia.
More than half of the deaths were in flood-ravaged North Carolina, which is experiencing an unprecedented disaster described by some as post-apocalyptic.
"I see you, I hear you, I grieve with you -- and I promise you, we have your back," Biden said during a stop at a damaged pecan farm in Ray City, Georgia.
Helene is the deadliest hurricane to hit the US mainland since 2005's Katrina, which killed 1,392 people.
Despite hundreds of rescues across six states and an enormous response including thousands of Federal personnel and thousands more National Guard members and active-duty troops assisting local responders, the death toll from the sprawling storm is expected to rise.
Many residents are still unaccounted for in a mountainous region known for its pockets of isolation.
"We are continuing to find survivors," North Carolina's Buncombe County, the epicenter of the tragedy where more than 60 people are confirmed dead, said in its latest update, adding there are residents still cut off from the outside world due to landslides and destroyed bridges.
In Asheville, a city of about 100,000 at the foot of picturesque mountains, and popular with tourists, thick mud covers streets. Buildings and other structures along river banks have been washed away.
Authorities maintain their desperate search for survivors in remote areas, while downtown, restaurants and aid groups are providing free food and water. Repair crews are struggling to restore power to hundreds of thousands of customers still without electricity.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Spain flood deaths top 200, more troops join rescue
Algerian Embassy marks 70th National Day in Islamabad
Death toll rises to 12 in Serbia train station roof collapse: minister
Roof collapse kills eight at Serbia train station: minister
Information Minister vows to revive PTV’s lost glory
Imran’s fight for power not people: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Sena ..
Raja Pervez Ashraf, Hasan Murtaza call on Governor Punjab
2 MPA arrives in KP Assembly after release
Federal Minister visits Kashmir House, reaffirms support for Kashmir cause
Kenya reintroduces tax reforms with new deputy president
Samples of wheat purchased from PASSCO sent to laboratory for testing
Governor Sindh raises Pakistan-Russia flags on Russia's people's unity day
More Stories From World
-
Zverev downs Tsitsipas in Paris as Rune keeps ATP Finals bid alive
5 hours ago -
Piastri takes Brazil sprint pole ahead of Norris
5 hours ago -
Black man convicted by all-white jury to be executed in South Carolina
6 hours ago -
Morales supporters storm Bolivia barracks, take 'around 20' hostages
6 hours ago -
Zverev downs Tsitsipas in Paris as Rune keeps ATP Finals bid alive
6 hours ago -
US announces $425 mn in new Ukraine security aid
6 hours ago
-
Zverev downs Tsitsipas to book place in semis of Paris Masters
7 hours ago -
Spain flood deaths top 200, more troops join rescue
7 hours ago -
Death toll rises to 12 in Serbia train station roof collapse: minister
7 hours ago -
Roof collapse kills eight at Serbia train station: minister
7 hours ago -
Kenya reintroduces tax reforms with new deputy president
7 hours ago -
Bloody gangland shootout puts France at 'tipping point'
7 hours ago