At least 45 people have died, and millions have been left without power after Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States.
The powerful storm caused widespread damage and flooding as it made landfall on Thursday night, hitting Florida’s Big Bend before moving north into Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.
Officials have been conducting daring rescues, using boats, helicopters, and large vehicles to help those stranded by the floodwaters. In Tennessee, about 50 workers and patients were rescued from the roof of a flooded hospital in Erwin.
Bob Gualtieri, the sheriff of Florida’s Pinellas County, said at least five people died in the area, and the coastline looked like a “war zone.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reported that one person died after a road sign fell on their car, and another was killed when a tree fell on a home.
Georgia was also hit hard, with 15 confirmed deaths, including two people who were killed by a suspected tornado in Wheeler County. Governor Brian Kemp deployed 1,000 National Guard troops to assist with rescue efforts, stating that many people were still trapped in buildings.
South Carolina saw 17 fatalities, while North Carolina reported two deaths. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said, “More than 100 rescues have taken place in our state, and we continue to help those in need.”
Across the region, more than three million homes and businesses were left without power. President Joe Biden urged residents to remain vigilant, saying, “As we mourn the lives lost, I urge everyone to follow local officials’ directions and keep themselves safe.”
Though Hurricane Helene has weakened, officials warned that strong winds, flooding, and tornado threats could continue.
