Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of up to 140 mph (225 kph), has claimed the lives of at least 40 people across Florida and the southeastern United States.
The powerful storm unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds that demolished homes and uprooted trees, forcing rescue teams into frantic missions to save those trapped in the floodwaters. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp reported that dozens of individuals remain stranded in damaged buildings.
The hurricane struck a sparsely populated area of Florida's Big Bend, known for its fishing villages and vacation spots. However, the devastation stretched hundreds of miles north, reaching as far as northeastern Tennessee. In this region, 54 people were evacuated to the roof of Unicoi County Hospital due to swift flooding that threatened to inundate the building, according to Ballad Health.
Impacts Across the Southeast
In North Carolina, a lake featured in the movie "Dirty Dancing" overflowed its dam, prompting evacuations in nearby areas. Additionally, multiple hospitals in southern Georgia were left without power, complicating access to emergency services.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stated that all fatalities in his county occurred in neighborhoods that had been evacuated. Many residents chose to stay behind and faced dire situations as they were forced to seek refuge in their attics to escape rising waters, he explained.
Government Response and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Local officials and the President have expressed their support for survivors. President Joe Biden sent his condolences while the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deployed over 1,500 personnel to aid in rescue operations, which had already exceeded 400 interventions by early morning.
With nearly 4 million homes and businesses without electricity in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, the situation remains hazardous. Authorities warn of potential dangers such as live electrical wires in the water.
As rescue teams continue to search flooded areas, there are fears that the death toll will rise further.