The death toll from Hurricane Helene has now surpassed 200 across six states, as recovery and clean-up efforts continue.
Authorities report that hundreds more people are still unaccounted for, though many may simply be out of contact with their families due to power outages and disrupted communication systems.
North Carolina suffered the highest number of fatalities, with devastating floods caused by swollen rivers, landslides, and debris. Deaths were also reported in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia.
According to reports, North Carolina alone has lost at least 98 people, most of them from Buncombe County. The Asheville area in particular was severely impacted by flooding, with rapid waters destroying homes, businesses, and key infrastructure. Videos show residents climbing onto their rooftops for safety.
The exact number of those still missing has not been confirmed. Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said on Thursday that search and rescue operations continue into their seventh day. She added, “We know there are isolated areas due to landslides and washed-out bridges, meaning some people are cut off but not necessarily missing.”
Pinder also said the true number of missing individuals will become clearer once the search efforts conclude.
Around 840 volunteers have been dispatched to check on more than 6,000 high-priority homes, and over 700 care packages have been distributed. So far, volunteers have found 2,885 people safe, while an additional 1,828 were confirmed safe through texts and emails by Wednesday.
By Thursday, South Carolina reported 39 deaths, Florida had at least 19, Georgia 33, Tennessee 11, and Virginia 2.
Hurricane Helene is now the second deadliest storm to strike the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005, which resulted in nearly 1,400 deaths.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden visited Raleigh, North Carolina, to meet with first responders and those affected by the hurricane. He commended North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster for their swift responses to the disaster, noting that in times like these, political differences are set aside. Biden remarked that the climate crisis is undeniable, with storms becoming increasingly intense.
Meanwhile, another weather system, Hurricane Kirk, has intensified into a Category 3 storm in the Atlantic. Although there are no coastal warnings currently in place, Kirk is expected to continue strengthening.
The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm was located 1,150 miles east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles, with winds reaching 120 mph.
