Hurricane Helene: Death toll exceeds 200
New York: The death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to over 200 in several southeastern states of the United States. Reports indicate that at least 204 people have lost their lives across six states since the hurricane made landfall in Florida a week ago, according to NBC News. Hundreds are still unaccounted for, and nearly one million customers remain without electricity, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Hurricane Helene has become the deadliest hurricane to hit the US mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. More than half of the fatalities have been reported in North Carolina, where at least 98 people have died. In Buncombe County, located in western North Carolina, there were 61 confirmed deaths.
US President Joe Biden decided on Wednesday to immediately deploy "up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the delivery of food, water and other essentials to communities affected by Hurricane Helene.”
In response to the crisis, active-duty military personnel have been deployed alongside over 1,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers, who are providing food, water, and supplies, as well as conducting search and rescue operations, according to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. The Governor noted on Thursday that "around-the-clock efforts continue to provide resources and assistance" to communities in the western part of the state.
President Biden toured the Carolinas on Wednesday to assess the damage and is set to visit Florida and Georgia on Thursday. The White House announced that Biden will continue to evaluate the destruction caused by Helene and meet with state and local leaders to discuss ongoing recovery efforts.
"The president and his entire administration will continue to do everything in our power to help the people of Florida, Georgia, and every community affected by this storm," said the White House.
Agency