The human toll from Hurricane Helene, which wreaked devastation in part of the east and southeast of the United States from Thursday, increased on Sunday to at least 93 deaths, according to the authorities. The search for victims continues.
In North Carolina, the most affected state, the death toll stands at 37, including 30 in Buncombe County alone. At least 25 people also died in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, two in Tennessee and one in Virginia, according to a report compiled by AFP from statements by local authorities.
Helene made landfall in northwest Florida on Thursday evening as a Category 4 hurricane on a scale of 5, packing winds measured at 225 km/h. The hurricane then progressed northward, losing intensity, while leaving a landscape of desolation in its wake.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene,” US President Joe Biden said on Saturday, stressing that “the road to recovery will be long”. On Sunday, the White House announced that he would visit affected areas in the coming days.
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Roads cut
The material toll is also very heavy. “Infrastructure suffered significant damage to water networks, communications, roads, transport routes and several houses were destroyed,” summarized Sunday on CBS Deanne Criswell, of the Federal Situations Agency emergency (AFU), specifying that the search for victims continues.
In North Carolina, certain areas remain inaccessible and must be served by helicopter, said Governor Roy Cooper. Four national routes also remain cut between North Carolina and Tennessee due to damage to “numerous” bridges, said Kristin White of the Department of Transportation.
Nearly 2.5 million homes are still without electricity, according to the poweroutage.us website, and thousands of people are being supported by the Red Cross, according to this organization.
As the hurricane approached, which has since been downgraded, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee declared a federal state of emergency and more than 800 personnel from the Federal Disaster Management Agency were deployed.
A flood warning remains in effect for parts of western North Carolina due to the risk of dam failure, according to the director of the National Weather Agency NWS, Ken Graham.
Rescue teams are still working to restore power and deal with the consequences of the massive floods which destroyed homes, roads and businesses. But their efforts are hampered by rugged terrain and blocked access routes.
Storm intensification
By warming ocean waters, climate change makes the rapid intensification of these storms more likely and increases the risk of more powerful hurricanes.
Hurricane Helene damage in Pinellas County, Florida. [KEYSTONE]
After forming, Helen moved over particularly warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico — more than 30°C, according to climatologist Andra Garner. “It is likely that these very warm waters played a role in the rapid intensification of Hélène,” underlined the expert.
“We also know that hurricane-related marine flooding is getting worse because ocean levels are rising as we warm the planet,” she said.
>> See also the images of the hurricane in the 12:45 p.m.:
agencies/vic/fgn
