Additional Coverage:
- Hurricane Helene death toll passes 200 across the six states most devastated by the storm (newsbreak.com)
Hurricane Helene has left a devastating trail of destruction across six states, with over 200 fatalities confirmed. North Carolina has suffered the most significant loss of life, with 98 deaths, mainly in Buncombe County.
The death toll includes victims of flooding, landslides, and debris. However, authorities believe many people remain unaccounted for due to lack of power and communication.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with volunteers checking on isolated households and distributing care packages. So far, over 2,800 people have been found safe.
In addition to North Carolina, South Carolina has reported 39 deaths, Florida 19, Georgia 33, Tennessee 11, and Virginia 2.
President Biden visited North Carolina to meet with first responders and commend the bipartisan response to the crisis. He emphasized the need to address climate change, which is contributing to the intensity of storms.
Meanwhile, another hurricane, Kirk, has formed in the Atlantic and is expected to strengthen rapidly into a major hurricane. However, there are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect.