The death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to 227 as recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the devastating storm that hit the Southeast. The hurricane made landfall as a Category 4 storm, causing widespread destruction in six states. The number of deaths increased by two in South Carolina, bringing the total to 227, with more individuals still unaccounted for. The impact of the storm was particularly severe in North Carolina, where half of the victims were located, as well as in Georgia and South Carolina.
In North Carolina, the city of Asheville suffered significant damage, with businesses and households affected by the storm. The cleanup efforts are underway, with workers using brooms and heavy machinery to clear mud and dirt from the area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $27 million in individual assistance for North Carolinians, with more than 83,000 people registering for aid. In Buncombe County, where Asheville is located, FEMA-approved assistance has exceeded $12 million.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has also impacted mountain towns hundreds of miles inland, including areas in Tennessee. Country music star Dolly Parton, who hails from Tennessee, has pledged a $1 million donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation to assist flood victims. Walmart has also committed $10 million to hurricane relief efforts, supporting communities like Newport, Tennessee, where residents are still cleaning up from the storm’s devastation.
In Newport, the impact of Helene’s floodwaters is evident, with mud clinging to basement walls and buildings still drying out. City Hall and the police department were also affected by the swollen Pigeon River, with homes along its banks destroyed. In unincorporated Del Rio, residents and volunteers are working tirelessly to clean up the area, with many homes sustaining damage.
The generosity and support from organizations like Walmart and individuals like Dolly Parton are providing hope and assistance to those affected by Hurricane Helene. The recovery process will be long and challenging, but with the help of volunteers, donations, and government aid, communities impacted by the storm will be able to rebuild and recover.
