“Recovery Efforts Continue After Hurricane Helene’s Destruction”
In Frankfort, Kentucky, the death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to 227 as the challenging task of recovering bodies persists over a week after the catastrophic storm battered the Southeast, claiming lives across six states. Helene made landfall on September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane, leaving a trail of devastation as it moved northwards from Florida, causing widespread destruction of homes, roads, and essential services like electricity and cellphone connectivity for millions of residents.
The death toll increased from 225 on Friday to 227 on Saturday, with two additional fatalities recorded in South Carolina. The exact number of missing individuals remains uncertain, suggesting that the toll could potentially climb higher. Helene now stands as the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, with a significant portion of the victims located in North Carolina and additional casualties reported in Georgia and South Carolina. The town of Asheville in the western mountains of North Carolina suffered particularly severe damage.
Notably, North Carolinians have received over $27 million in individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) thus far, with more than 83,000 people registering for aid, according to information provided by MaryAnn Tierney, a regional administrator for FEMA. In Buncombe County, where Asheville is situated, FEMA assistance has exceeded $12 million, supporting survivors with critical aid and displacement assistance for those unable to remain in their homes.
The devastation caused by Helene’s floodwaters extended to distant mountain towns and regions, including areas in Tennessee such as Dolly Parton’s hometown. In response, the renowned country music star pledged a $1 million donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding flood victims of Hurricane Helene. Parton’s generosity was matched by her East Tennessee businesses and the Dollywood Foundation, collectively contributing an additional $1 million to the cause.
Furthermore, Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner announced an increased commitment in hurricane relief efforts, including a $10 million donation from Walmart, Sam’s Club, and the Walmart Foundation to support the ongoing recovery and rebuilding processes.
Communities like Newport, Tennessee, and Del Rio are persevering through extensive cleanup efforts following the havoc wreaked by Helene, with residents and volunteers working tirelessly to restore normalcy after the storm’s destruction. Recovery work includes clearing debris, salvaging damaged properties, and supporting those affected by the disaster, embodying resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Posted in Top Stories
