Southeast U.S. Struggles to Recover from Hurricane Helene as Death Toll Nears 100

Storm's Devastation Sweeps the Southeast

The Southeastern U.S. launched a large-scale cleanup and recovery effort on Sunday as the death toll climbed toward 100 following Hurricane Helene’s destruction. The storm brought flooding, destroyed infrastructure, and cut off power to millions across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Death Toll Reaches 90 and Rising

The storm killed at least 90 people across six states, according to a Reuters tally based on reports from state and local officials. Due to damaged communication networks, hundreds remain unaccounted for, with families struggling to reconnect with their loved ones.

The hurricane left an estimated $15 billion to over $100 billion in damages, according to insurers and forecasters. Water systems, communications, and transportation routes are significantly affected, with the full extent of property damage and lost economic output still being assessed.

North Carolina Suffers Major Losses

Buncombe County, N.C., saw the highest number of fatalities, with 30 reported deaths. Floodwaters submerged streets in Asheville, prompting the county to seek emergency food and water supplies. "This is a devastating catastrophe of historic proportions," Governor Roy Cooper said, indicating that some roads might take months to repair. Search and rescue teams from 19 states have joined the recovery efforts.

As of Sunday, approximately 2.7 million customers across the Southeast were without power, down from Friday’s peak, according to the U.S. Energy Department. In Flat Rock, N.C., extensive blackouts led to long gas lines. “Grocery stores are closed, cellphone service is out," said Chip Frank, a 62-year-old resident.

State-by-State Impact

South Carolina reported 25 fatalities, Georgia 17, and Florida 11, according to the states' governors. President Joe Biden, who declared major disasters in Florida and North Carolina, plans to visit the affected areas later this week. “It’s tragic,” Biden said, pledging federal recovery assistance. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is set to visit Valdosta, Ga., on Monday for a storm damage briefing and to help distribute relief supplies.

Florida Coast Takes a Heavy Hit

Hurricane Helene slammed into Florida’s Gulf Coast on Thursday night, sparking days of relentless rain and destroying homes that had stood for generations. In Horseshoe Beach, residents mourned their losses as they sifted through the debris of long-standing family homes. “Five generations lived in this house,” said Charlene Huggins, while sorting through the rubble of her destroyed home.

Coastal Communities Devastated by Storm Surge

A storm surge of up to 10 feet battered coastal areas like Steinhatchee and Spring Warrior Fish Camp, pushing homes off their foundations and causing significant damage. In Keaton Beach, Kristin Macqueen described the devastation as “complete,” with houses ripped from their slabs.