Thirty Killed in One County After Hurricane Swamps North Carolina
At least 30 people have lost their lives and dozens more are unaccounted for in Buncombe County, North Carolina, following the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm, which made landfall in Florida before moving northward through Georgia and the Carolinas, has resulted in widespread devastation and significant loss of life across multiple states.
Ryan Cole, an emergency official in Buncombe County, described the situation as one of "biblical devastation," emphasizing that this disaster represents the most significant natural calamity that many residents have ever experienced. The county, which includes the city of Asheville, appears to be the hardest hit by the storm, and officials are bracing for the death toll to rise as they reach more impacted areas.
National Impact and Response
Since Helene made landfall in Florida on Thursday, at least 105 fatalities have been reported nationwide, with most deaths occurring in North and South Carolina where the storm weakened to a tropical storm. As emergency crews continue their efforts, the full extent of the destruction is still being assessed.
In North Carolina, officials confirmed that 30 fatalities were recorded in Buncombe County alone. Power outages, disrupted mobile service, and hundreds of closed roads have hampered rescue efforts and left many residents struggling to locate family members. An estimated 1,000 people remain unaccounted for in the county, heightening concerns among relatives trying to reach their loved ones.
Governor Roy Cooper stated, “This storm has brought catastrophic devastation... of historic proportions,” as he urged residents to stay safe and heed evacuation orders.
Rescue Operations Underway
In the wake of the storm, the American Red Cross has established over 140 shelters for evacuees across the southeastern United States, currently housing more than 2,000 displaced individuals. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to provide relief to affected communities, with supplies including food and water being airlifted to areas inaccessible due to blocked roads.
The North Carolina National Guard has conducted more than 119 rescues, including one of an infant. Major General Todd Hunt reported that the largest rescue operation successfully extracted 41 individuals from a location north of Asheville.
Residents returning to their homes are facing shocking scenes of destruction. Erin Quevedo, owner of a salon in Buncombe County, described her business as being completely ruined, with water levels rising to five feet inside. "Right now, all we're doing is we're trying to salvage what we can," she told The Asheville Citizen Times while wading through mud.
Long lines are forming at the few open gas stations, while supermarkets are crowded with customers desperately seeking bottled water and other supplies.
Financial and Political Implications
The economic impact of Hurricane Helene is staggering, with damage estimates ranging from $95 billion to $110 billion nationwide. As officials work to assess the damage, the scale of the destruction will become clearer in the coming days.
In response to the widespread disaster, federal emergencies have been declared in six states, including Florida and Georgia. President Joe Biden remarked on the overwhelming devastation witnessed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and directed FEMA to expedite support to storm survivors. The White House also announced that Vice President Kamala Harris would visit affected areas once it was safe to do so, while former President Donald Trump plans to visit Valdosta, Georgia.
Ongoing Threats and Future Storms
Despite Helene's weakening, forecasters are cautioning that high winds, flooding, and the threat of tornadoes may persist in the region. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned that there could be as many as 25 named storms in 2024, with eight to thirteen of those potentially developing into hurricanes. As the official hurricane season does not conclude until November 30, further storms could be on the horizon, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating storm, the recovery process will be long and challenging. With ongoing rescue operations and a growing list of those still missing, North Carolina remains in a state of emergency as residents and officials alike seek to rebuild their lives in the wake of Hurricane Helene's destructive force.