Devastation in the Southeast: Hurricane Helene Leaves Destruction and Loss of Life

As the record-breaking storm continued to wreak havoc, at least 69 people had lost their lives across several states since Hurricane Helene hit Florida's Big Bend on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds. The storm left millions without power, with 2.3 million people still without electricity on Sunday, including over 460,000 in North Carolina, where the devastation was immense. Governor Roy Cooper described the storm as "one of the worst storms in modern history for parts of North Carolina," with hundreds of roads washed away, cellular service cut off for over 250,000 people, and vast swaths of cities underwater.

Key Takeaways:

• At least 69 people died across several states since Hurricane Helene hit Florida's Big Bend on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds.
• 2.3 million people remained without power on Sunday, including over 460,000 in North Carolina.
• Hundreds of roads were washed away, cellular service was cut off for over 250,000 people, and vast swaths of cities such as Asheville were left underwater.
• North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper described the storm as "one of the worst storms in modern history for parts of North Carolina."
• At least 5,000 emergency calls were fielded to 911 since Thursday, with over 200 North Carolina residents requiring rescue from the storm's torrential rains.
• Over 200 people had been rescued in the state by water and helicopter crews.
• The governors of Maryland and at least 17 other states sent Guard units to assist in the relief efforts, with three federal teams also deployed.
• North Carolina activated hundreds of its own National Guard, with supplies being airlifted in Saturday as search and rescue operations continued throughout the state.
• Power returning in NC was hindered by residents driving into areas impacted by the storm, state officials urged people to stay home due to travel restrictions and dangers.

Statistics:

• 2.3 million people remained without power on Sunday.
• 460,000 people in North Carolina were without electricity.
• 200,000 residents had their cellular service cut off.
• 280 roads were closed, including sections of I-40 and I-26.
• 10-29 inches of rain fell on the mountains in parts of North Carolina, resulting in life-threatening landslides and floods.
• Up to 1,000 people were reported missing, with some of their loved ones searching for them.
• 60 people on a list by Asheville Police Chief Michael Lamb had not been reached.
• 5,000 emergency calls were fielded to 911 since Thursday.
• 200 people were rescued in the state by water and helicopter crews.

Sources:

• USA TODAY
• Asheville Citizen Times
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• White House
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)