Hurricane Helene has claimed more than 30 lives in the US – rescue efforts continue

On Friday, a helicopter was also sent to rescue patients from a flooded hospital in the northeastern state of Tennessee.

Hurricane Helene hit Florida and continued its northeastward journey through Georgia and North Carolina, and widespread destruction is being reported. So far, most deaths have been reported in South Carolina, where the storm has claimed at least 17 lives, according to local authorities.

Among the victims are two firefighters who responded to incidents in Saluda County, Governor Henry McMaster said.

Be a video: Ask people to write their name on the arm

At least five people have been confirmed dead in Florida. In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp says there have been eleven deaths related to the storm there, and the authorities in North Carolina confirmed one death on Friday.

US authorities are warning that the death toll could still rise, as there are reports of people trapped in buildings.

Helene entered the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday night and hit the Big Bend area on the northwest coast of Florida before the storm continued its northward journey.