Hurricane Helene’s ‘Apocalyptic’ Devastation Unfolds Hundreds of Miles from Landfall
The death toll from Hurricane Helene continues to rise as residents across the Southeast assess the aftermath of last week’s devastating storm.
According to The Associated Press, at least 91 people have lost their lives as Helene moved north from the Gulf Coast. The storm made landfall on Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region, bringing sustained winds of 140 mph.
As Helene approached the U.S. coast, it intensified, unleashing destructive winds, severe flooding, and a massive storm surge.
In North Carolina, extreme flooding has obliterated homes and washed away bridges, leading authorities to close 400 roads due to unsafe travel conditions. State officials report at least 30 fatalities, with dozens more unaccounted for.
“This is an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response,” remarked North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.
Search and rescue missions are underway, involving members of the National Guard and relief teams from 19 states.
William Ray, director of the North Carolina Department for Public Safety emergency management, stated, “Response teams are working around the clock to make rescues and access neighborhoods.”
In Asheville, residents have been without cell service or water for several days. Zeb Smathers, the mayor of Canton, west of Asheville, described the situation as “apocalyptic, not just for Canton, but the entire region.”
Smathers noted a total cell phone “blackout,” preventing residents from checking on loved ones or urging at-risk individuals to evacuate due to the threat of further flooding.
Certain areas of North Carolina received up to 30 inches of rain, triggering deadly flash floods and landslides.
Resident George Carter from Lake Lure expressed his shock: “When you turn the corner and see your community filled with debris and floating homes, it just takes your breath away.”
“It was scary,” he added.
Adam Jackson from Tryon, North Carolina, reported neighbors trapped by fallen trees. “There are probably 50 trees blocking my neighbors from coming out,” he said, adding that he began helping those stranded.
The Painter family from Asheville returned home to find their basement flooded with 35,000 gallons of water. “It’s eerie,” Jacob Painter commented, admitting to a constant sense of dread.
“You’re stepping on mud and trying not to fall because it’s so thick and slippery,” said Ciara Lantz-Painter.
Randall Houghton spoke with “Good Morning America” near a devastated RV park, sharing that floodwaters washed away his camper, forcing him to spend the night on the roadside. “I anticipated something bad when I was told the water would come over the top of the parking tables,” he recalled.
In Tennessee, at least two fatalities have been reported, a number that may increase as search and rescue efforts continue. Over 70 individuals remain missing, according to state officials.
Among those missing is Steve Cloyd, whose jeep was found after the storm, as reported by his family. His wife, Keli, expressed her hope that he managed to escape the vehicle: “I need that big one, so I can breathe again, so my kids can breathe again,” she said. “His Minnesota Vikings won today. I want to sit here and watch those highlights with him.”
