In a devastating blow, the death toll from Hurricane Helene in the southeastern US has risen above 40, with more than 40 people confirmed dead as of Friday afternoon. The storm has wreaked havoc in several states, with Georgia reporting at least 15 fatalities, including a first responder and two children trapped in a burning home. South Carolina also reported at least 17 storm-related deaths, including two firefighters killed by a falling tree.
The storm’s impact extended to North Carolina, where a tornado spawned by Helene left four people critically injured and caused significant damage to buildings. Flooding and mudslides from the storm washed out a section of Interstate 40 at the North Carolina-Tennessee state line, leading to road closures and chaos on the roads. Additionally, Tennessee experienced a catastrophic failure of The Waterville Dam, leading to the evacuation of all of downtown Newport.
Rescue operations have been underway at Unicoi Hospital in Erwin, Tennessee, where 50 people, including patients and staff, were trapped on the roof of the hospital building due to flooding. Authorities have been using boats and helicopters in the dangerous rescue operation, with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and National Guard engaged in the efforts.
The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene continues to be felt across the southeastern US, with weather experts warning of significant impacts, including catastrophic flooding, in the coming days. The storm has already caused tens of billions of dollars in damage and economic impacts, with many susceptible and expensive properties heavily affected by storm surge along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
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