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October 25, 2024
The recent outbreak of Hurricane Helene caused damage to the southeastern U.S. mainly in South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. Helene has caused at least 130 deaths since its start. There are still hundreds missing, and more than 800 inmates have evacuated from prison to get to safety. As of now Helene is a category four hurricane meaning estimated wind speeds up to 80 miles per hour and officials say there has been around four months worth of rain in the past 48 hours, causing extreme damage to homes, buildings, etc.
Fire departments and county sheriffs are trying their best to get everyone to safety as soon as possible. Officials say that fire departments have been seen using boats to travel across the flooded streets of Pinellas County, FL, to save trapped residents in flooded burning homes. The mayor of Canton, North Carolina says, “We are dealing with recovery for a 21st century storm with 20th century technology,” (CNN live). With cell service and power lines down, first responders are trying to adapt with slow service and angry residents.
President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Virginia on Oct. 10, 2024, and ordered aid to assist in recovery. Federal funding is available for state and local governments and non-profit organizations for emergency work. Biden directed the Defense Department to deploy up to 1,000 soldiers on active duty to help aid delivery of supplies such as food and water in secluded communities. Biden will also be traveling to North and South Carolina to meet with local first responders and survey impacted areas to help them out. Biden said, “Hurricane Helene has been a storm of historic proportion. My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced unthinkable loss. We are here for you — and we will stay here for as long as it take,.” (NBC News).
Sources: NBC News, CNN
Cars driving through their neighborhood after Hurricane Helene hit them (Photo Credit: NBC News)
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