Hurricane Helene Death Toll Reaches 44

Hurricane Helene Death Toll Reaches 44, Threat of More Severe Flooding Looms

A devastating storm, Hurricane Helene, has claimed the lives of at least 44 people across five U.S. states, authorities confirmed on Friday. The storm triggered widespread flooding, leading to large-scale rescue efforts.

Helene made landfall near Tallahassee, Florida, as a Category 4 hurricane, causing extensive damage as it pushed northward. Homes, businesses, and roadways were left submerged, many of them severely damaged or destroyed.

By Friday night, more than 4.2 million people were left without electricity across ten states, stretching from Florida to Ohio, according to poweroutage.us.

Although the hurricane weakened to a tropical storm and later to a post-tropical cyclone, it continued to cause chaos with heavy rains that the National Hurricane Center warned could result in “catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding.”

The destruction was particularly evident in Cedar Key, a small island city on Florida’s northwest coast. The hurricane left several wooden homes in ruins, swept away by storm surges and strong winds.

“It’s heartbreaking. I’ve lived here my entire life, and we just can’t seem to catch a break,” said Gabe Doty, head of Cedar Key’s water and sewer services.

Up to 12 inches of rain were predicted in the Appalachian Mountains, with some areas expected to receive up to 20 inches.

In South Carolina, at least 20 people were reported dead, including two firefighters. Spartanburg County alone saw six fatalities, according to coroner Rusty Clevenger.

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp’s office confirmed that 15 people had died, including an emergency responder. Kemp also noted that 115 structures in Valdosta were severely damaged, with many residents still trapped inside.

In Florida, the death toll reached seven. Governor Ron DeSantis said that the destruction caused by Helene was worse than the damage caused by Hurricanes Idalia and Debby, which had both struck the Big Bend region in the past year.