Hurricane Helene's Deadly Toll Rises to 227 as Southeast US Grapples with Aftermath
Hurricane Helene's death toll reaches 227 across six states. FEMA provides assistance as communities begin recovery efforts. Celebrities and corporations contribute to relief funds for affected areas.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold across the southeastern United States, with the death toll rising to 227 as of October 5, 2024. This devastating storm, which made landfall on September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane, has become the deadliest to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Helene's path of destruction spanned six states, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of the casualties. The storm's impact extended far beyond coastal areas, shocking inland communities with severe flooding. The French Broad River, one of the world's oldest waterways at over 300 million years old, overflowed its banks, causing significant damage to nearby businesses and homes.
In Asheville, North Carolina, known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, the cleanup process is underway. Local businesses, including New Belgium Brewing Company, are working to remove mud and debris left behind by the floodwaters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), established in 1979 to coordinate disaster responses, has approved over $27 million in individual assistance for North Carolina residents alone.
MaryAnn Tierney, a FEMA regional administrator, emphasized the importance of affected residents registering for disaster assistance, stating, "It is the first step in the recovery process." FEMA's support includes immediate relief for essential needs and displacement assistance for those unable to return to their homes.
The storm's impact has prompted responses from various sectors. Country music icon Dolly Parton, known for her philanthropic efforts including the Imagination Library program, has pledged $1 million to the Mountain Ways Foundation for flood relief. Parton's East Tennessee businesses and the Dollywood Foundation have committed to matching this donation.
"I can't stand to see anyone hurting, so I wanted to do what I could to help after these terrible floods. I hope we can all be a little bit of light in the world for our friends, our neighbors — even strangers — during this dark time they are experiencing."
Corporate entities are also contributing to relief efforts. John Furner, Walmart U.S. President and CEO, announced a total commitment of $10 million from Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation towards hurricane relief.
As communities begin the long process of recovery, the full extent of Helene's impact is still being assessed. The storm's intensity serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by hurricanes, which are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change.
The National Hurricane Center, which issues warnings 36 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds, continues to monitor the Atlantic basin during the official hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Residents in hurricane-prone areas are advised to maintain emergency kits with supplies for at least 72 hours, as power outages from such storms can last for weeks or even months.
As the recovery efforts continue, the resilience of affected communities is being put to the test. The widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Helene underscores the importance of robust disaster preparedness and response systems, as well as the critical role of community support and solidarity in the face of natural disasters.
