Hurricane Helene caused devastating damage across six states, with North Carolina being hit the hardest as the death toll rose to nearly 100 people. Chimney Rock, a picturesque village in North Carolina, was almost entirely wiped out by the storm when floodwaters overcame a dam, destroying homes and businesses in its path. Rescue crew leader Chris Murray described the concentrated damage as unlike anything he had ever seen, with the village left in ruins.
Images from Chimney Rock showed the village covered in mud and debris, with businesses along Broad River destroyed by the flooding. Terrifying video footage captured the violent floodwaters ravaging the area, washing away homes and vehicles in its path. Hundreds of people were left unaccounted for in the aftermath of the storm, as rescue efforts continued across the region.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell toured the affected areas in Georgia and North Carolina, where search and rescue missions were ongoing in heavily damaged communities. At least 30 people were reported dead in North Carolina, with Buncombe County experiencing significant loss of life due to the storm. Governor Roy Cooper predicted that the death toll would rise as more areas were reached by emergency workers and rescuers.
Supplies were airlifted to the region around Asheville, while search teams spread throughout western North Carolina to locate stranded individuals. Rescue operations were conducted, including saving 41 people north of Asheville and focusing on retrieving a single infant. Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina also faced significant damage from Hurricane Helene, with widespread power outages and historic amounts of rainfall recorded in some areas.
Dozens lost their lives in the storm, including a young mother and her 1-month-old twins in Georgia. Communities banded together to support those in need, with offers of help and resources shared on social media platforms. President Biden pledged federal assistance for the affected areas, approving a disaster declaration for North Carolina to provide support for those impacted by the catastrophic storm.
Despite the overwhelming devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, communities remained resilient and united in their efforts to recover and rebuild. The full extent of the damage was still being assessed as rescue missions continued and emergency supplies were distributed to those in need. The impact of the storm was felt across the Southwest, with authorities working tirelessly to assist those affected and ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the aftermath of the disaster.
