Helene Storm Update: Trump to Visit Georgia City with Over 100 Dead
Receding floodwaters in Asheville reveal the immense devastation left by Hurricane Helene in the River Arts District. The aftermath of the storm has been particularly heartbreaking for residents in Florida and Tennessee, where lives have been tragically lost.
Florida Woman’s Tragic Loss in the Face of Helene
Donna Fagersten, a 66-year-old woman from Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, lost her life while trying to save her beloved cat during the chaos of Hurricane Helene. Despite being in a mandatory evacuation zone, Donna chose to stay behind to retrieve her pet, ultimately losing her life to the floodwaters. Her son, John Runner, shared the heartbreaking details of her final moments, highlighting the bond she shared with her furry companion.
Tennessee Latino Community Struggles in the Wake of Helene
In Tennessee’s Unicoi County, members of the Latino community are among the dozens reported missing following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The storm has left a trail of destruction, with families anxiously searching for their loved ones amidst the chaos.
The Devastating Toll of Helene Across Multiple States
The death toll from Hurricane Helene continues to rise, with South Carolina reporting 29 fatalities, bringing the total to 116 across six states. North Carolina has been hit particularly hard, with 44 deaths recorded in the state. The impact of the storm has been felt far and wide, leaving communities reeling from the loss of life and destruction.
Search for Loved Ones in North Carolina’s Avery County
In Avery County, North Carolina, residents are desperately searching for their missing loved ones in the aftermath of Helene. With roads destroyed, communities flooded, and communication lines down, the task of locating missing individuals has become increasingly challenging. Families like Jessica Meidinger’s cling to hope as they await news of their missing relatives.
Biden’s Commitment to Storm-Affected Areas
President Joe Biden has expressed his commitment to visiting the areas affected by Hurricane Helene, with plans to tour the storm damage in the coming days. Acknowledging the historic nature of the storm, Biden emphasized the need for swift action and support for those impacted by the disaster. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell remains in Asheville, North Carolina, coordinating relief efforts in one of the hardest-hit areas.
Power Outages and Recovery Efforts
Despite significant progress in power restoration efforts, over 2.1 million customers remain without electricity in the aftermath of Helene. Georgia has been particularly hard hit, with 20 counties reporting 90% of customers without power. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with communities facing the daunting task of rebuilding in the wake of the storm.
The Economic Impact of Helene
The economic toll of Hurricane Helene is estimated to reach between $145 billion and $160 billion, making it one of the costliest storms in U.S. history. The catastrophic flooding in areas like Asheville, North Carolina, and the widespread storm surge impacts in Florida have contributed to the staggering financial losses incurred by the storm.
Trump’s Visit to Georgia
Former President Donald Trump is set to visit Valdosta, Georgia, to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene and lend support to relief efforts. With at least 17 reported deaths in the state, Trump’s visit highlights the importance of coming together to aid those affected by the storm. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp will be touring storm-damaged areas in Augusta while Trump visits Valdosta.
Continued Rainfall in the Central Appalachians
As the remnants of Hurricane Helene linger in the central Appalachians, additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected in parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. The ongoing threat of heavy rain and flash flooding poses challenges for recovery efforts in the already saturated region. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left communities reeling from loss and devastation. As recovery efforts continue and families search for their missing loved ones, the resilience and unity of affected regions shine through. Together, we can overcome the challenges posed by this historic storm and rebuild stronger than before.