Helene becomes one of the deadliest hurricanes of the century

• Hurricane Helene leaves over 140 dead.
• Asheville faces hundreds missing.
• Rescue teams working tirelessly.

The death toll from the devastating Hurricane Helene has reached nearly 140 people as of Tuesday, while emergency teams continue searching for hundreds of missing individuals, particularly in Asheville, North Carolina.

This hurricane has already been classified as one of the deadliest cyclones of this century in the United States.

According to national media, with over 130 deaths across six states, Helene is now ranked alongside Hurricane Ian of 2022, which caused 150 fatalities, as one of the deadliest hurricanes in the country.

South Carolina reported 33 deaths from Helene today, while Pinellas County, Florida, confirmed new victims, raising the state’s total to 15 fatalities.

Hurricane Helene leaves over 140 dead in the US

In some areas of the southeastern US, like Pinellas, authorities have begun reopening roads after clearing debris and vegetation.

However, the situation in western North Carolina, specifically in Asheville, remains critical after Hurricane Helene.

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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper held a press conference where he described the devastation across his state.

«Communities have been wiped off the map,» Cooper stated. «Dozens of lives have been lost, and hundreds of roads remain damaged or impassable.»

Cooper also mentioned that power outages and the lack of cell communication are complicating rescue efforts, according to Efe.

The National Guard has rescued around 500 people, and 92 search and rescue teams are active across the state.

In Buncombe County, where Asheville is located, 40 deaths have been recorded, and North Carolina, overall, has reported 56 fatalities, making it the hardest-hit state by Hurricane Helene.

The hurricane made landfall Thursday night in northwestern Florida, leaving a trail of destruction stretching over 800 kilometers.

Flooding from Hurricane Helene

In Asheville, historic floods have left around 600 people unaccounted for or missing, according to the latest official figures.

The city, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has suffered severe damage due to floods that have destroyed buildings, homes, and roads.

Volunteer groups and organizations have begun organizing door-to-door brigades in affected areas to search for trapped individuals.

The organization Operation Airdrop has started sending aid by air, using helicopters to deliver supplies to the most isolated areas.

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