A week ago, Hurricane Helene barreled into Florida, ravaging cities and towns along the Gulf Coast while millions of people further inland braced for even more rain. The storm, which was predicted to cause widespread devastation, lived up to the warnings, leaving roads flooded, homes destroyed, and power grids obliterated.
Initially, many areas seemed to fare well. In the Southeast, roads were still drivable, bridges stood firm, and the town of Chimney Rock in North Carolina, known for its picturesque landscapes and popular state park, was still welcoming visitors. But now, the story is different. In just a week, the catastrophic hurricane has claimed over 190 lives across six states, leaving survivors grappling with disbelief as they sift through the wreckage of their homes and communities. Chimney Rock is no more—washed away by Helene’s relentless rains and floodwaters. Roads, bridges, and entire neighborhoods along the storm’s path have been obliterated.
Survivors have come together to help each other in any way they can. They’re bringing food, cutting down trees, and hoping for small wins, like regaining cell phone service or finding an open gas station. Over a million people remain without power, especially in the Carolinas, where major parts of the power grid were simply wiped out by Helene’s surge. Some areas, particularly in parts of Georgia and North Carolina, are almost entirely in the dark, with up to 99% of homes and businesses without electricity.
The floodwaters destroyed so much infrastructure that some areas are completely cut off from the rest of the world. In these regions, supplies are being delivered by air and even mules. President Joe Biden has dispatched 1,000 troops to aid in relief efforts, and both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been visiting affected states to oversee the response and meet with survivors. Relief is slowly beginning to reach some of the hardest-hit areas as linemen work to restore power, and military and relief organizations provide food and water to stranded residents.
In Asheville, North Carolina, communities are working to rebuild. Volunteers are helping people clean up, and local businesses like Katie Button’s restaurant are making thousands of meals to feed those without access to food. Button’s restaurant, in partnership with World Central Kitchen, has been preparing meals and getting them to people by helicopter in areas where roads are still inaccessible.
Despite the challenges, people are stepping up. The Cajun Navy, a volunteer disaster relief group, has been actively helping with search and rescue operations. Their founder, Robert Gaudet, says that the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is unlike anything they’ve seen before—even more overwhelming than other disasters like the Maui wildfires. The scale of the destruction is vast, with entire towns submerged in mud and debris, leaving people in shock at how quickly life as they knew it has changed.
Helene has become one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history, second only to Hurricane Katrina. As rescue operations continue and the death toll rises, relief efforts remain crucial. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is offering 30 days of free internet to affected areas to help restore communication in the most devastated regions.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are working with state and local governments to assist with search and rescue efforts. More than 3,500 FEMA workers, including 1,200 in North Carolina, are on the ground, coordinating efforts to restore basic services like power and water. Repairing the damage will take weeks, and in some cases, months, as mountainous areas pose unique challenges for restoration crews.
Residents are encouraged to call 211 if they are unable to locate their loved ones. As the relief efforts continue, survivors are clinging to hope and working together to rebuild their communities after the historic and devastating blow of Hurricane Helene.
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