The remnants of Hurricane Helene have dissipated, but its impact is still being felt across the Southeastern United States. Millions of residents remain without power, and officials are warning about record-breaking river flooding in parts of southern Appalachia. The storm has been held responsible for at least 44 fatalities across five states, with South Carolina reporting 19 deaths. However, authorities are concerned that the death toll may increase as they assess the full extent of Helene’s destruction. The hurricane made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Florida’s Gulf Coast before moving through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, causing widespread damage and flooding.
In Mexico, Tropical Storm John made its second landfall on the Pacific coast, leading to severe flooding in the resort city of Acapulco. The storm has since dissipated over Mexico. The aftermath of the hurricanes has left a trail of devastation, prompting calls for assistance in affected areas.
Locally, the Tampa neighborhood of Davis Islands in Florida is reeling from Helene’s impact. Known for being home to notable athletes like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady, the neighborhood experienced an unprecedented storm surge that flooded homes, businesses, and apartments. While there were no reported fatalities, the damage is extensive, with residents caught off guard by the severity of the storm surge.
Vice President Kamala Harris has urged residents in the storm-affected areas to heed the advice of local authorities as the cleanup and recovery efforts continue. Meanwhile, in Tennessee, concerns were raised about the potential failure of the Walters Dam near the North Carolina-Tennessee border. However, officials clarified that there was no catastrophic failure happening at the dam, providing some relief to residents in the vicinity.
One of the most harrowing rescues during the storm took place in rural Unicoi County, East Tennessee, where dozens of patients and staff had to be airlifted from the roof of a hospital surrounded by floodwaters. Amidst challenging conditions, rescue operations were successfully conducted, saving all the individuals stranded at the facility.
The impact of Hurricane Helene continues to be felt in multiple states, with ongoing recovery efforts and assessments of the damage left in its wake. Authorities emphasize the importance of preparedness and cooperation to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by natural disasters.