US authorities have launched major rescue efforts following Cyclone Helene’s devastation in the southeastern states. The storm, which struck Florida’s Gulf coast as a hurricane, severely damaged North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Many towns remain cut off, with residents stranded without access to food, water, or power. Hundreds of people remain missing, and more than 100 dead. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach more isolated areas.
Emergency crews in North Carolina, one of the worst-affected states, have been airlifting food and water to communities cut off by the storm. Officials have closed around 300 roads, and more than 7,000 people have applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. The National Guard is delivering 1,000 tons of emergency supplies by planes and helicopters to remote areas.
The small town of Bat Cave, west of Charlotte, suffered near-total destruction from the Broad River’s record-breaking floods. The floods washed away homes and caused a key bridge to collapse, leaving the town isolated. Resident Aaron Smith lost almost everything when floodwaters destroyed his home. “There’s nothing left to return to,” he said.
Severe damage has slowed rescue attempts. Helicopters struggled to land in certain areas, and locals waved them away from unstable bridges. The storm’s destruction also reached nearby villages like Chimney Rock, which experienced similar flooding. Lake Lure now holds debris from homes and trees destroyed by the storm.
Power outages have left 1.8 million homes and businesses without electricity. US President Joe Biden, who plans to visit the affected areas, linked the storm to climate change and promised federal support for recovery efforts. He may call Congress back for a special session to approve additional disaster relief funding. (AFP)
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