Hurricane Helene ravages the southeastern United States, death toll soars

Hurricane Helene has caused severe damage across the southeastern United States, killing at least 91 people and leaving millions without power.

The death toll is likely to rise as communications systems in many places are disrupted. Authorities are searching for missing people and carrying out relief work in affected areas.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on the night of September 26 as a Category 4 storm (winds of 225km/h) and moved north.

So far, the storm has swept through several states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Although it has weakened into a tropical storm, Hurricane Helene has left behind very serious consequences for people and property.

North Carolina was the hardest hit state with 37 deaths, followed by South Carolina (25), Georgia (17), Florida (11), and Virginia (1).

Rescue teams from 19 states and the federal government were mobilized to North Carolina to help the state speed up search and rescue efforts.

Director of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, Ms. Deanne Criswell, said that Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to infrastructure such as water supply systems, communications, roads, important traffic routes, houses...

Four major interstate highways in North Carolina and Tennessee and several bridges were completely blocked, according to the US Department of Transportation. Dozens of roads in Georgia and South Carolina were also closed.

In Valdosta, Georgia, the storm ripped roofs off many homes and toppled power poles and trees at intersections.

Ms. Deanne Criswell assessed that the recovery process in the states affected by Hurricane Helene will be very complicated.

Flash flood warnings remain in place in parts of western North Carolina due to the risk of dam failure.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Energy is working to restore power in affected areas, but warns it could take days.

Thousands continue to seek assistance at shelters run by the American Red Cross.

Over the weekend, insurance companies estimated that damage from Hurricane Helene could range from $15 billion to more than $100 billion.

The White House said on September 29 that President Joe Biden will visit areas affected by Hurricane Helene this week.