Hurricane Helene has killed at least 128 people

October 1, 2024 – the death toll for Hurricane Helene continues to climb. The massive hurricane that plowed into the Big Bend region of Florida on Friday left an 800 mile path of destruction across six states. Authorities acknowledge that at least 128 people are dead. Thousands of people who survived the storm (some of them suddenly homeless) are struggling to get food.

The flood waters are receding, but thus far that has only revealed more of the destruction. Power crews are struggling to restore power to nearly 2 million customers in six states.

56 people died in Buncombe County North Carolina alone. There the city of Ashville still does not have power or cell phone service and much of the county is still impassible due to the floodwaters, the debris, and the washed out roads.

Thousands of Alabama Power Company employees are working in Georgia to restore power there.

"Our teams are on the ground working side-by-side with @GeorgiaPower, helping restore critical infrastructure. With widespread damage, we're focused on clearing debris, assessing damage, and safely restoring power to affected communities," Alabama Power announced on the company's X social media account. "Our storm teams were up before the sun to continue restoration efforts for our neighbors in Georgia. Our thoughts are with those affected by this historic storm. The damage is devastating. We're focused on safety and helping those in need."

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) has sent Alabama National Guard units to North Carolina to assist with the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Hundreds of people have been rescued from the floodwaters in North Carolina.

"have deployed the @AlabamaNG to North Carolina," Gov. Ivey said on X. "Hurricane Helene left warzone-like devastation in its path, and Alabama is here to lend a helping hand as our neighboring states begin responding and recovering."

Hurricane Helene hit Florida late Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane. It then proceeded to spread its devastation to Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. Parts of western North Carolina recorded 24 inches of rain in just a 24 hour period of time.

Roads have been devastated in the most severely affected areas.

"Consider the roads closed in western North Carolina," Gov. Roy Cooper told CNN Monday. "We do not need sightseers coming in to observe the damage. We ask you not to come in unless you are on a specific mission to help with rescue."

I-40 between Knoxville, Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina is out – likely for years – as the east bound lanes fell into the Pearl River. I-26 was also shut down.

Steinhatchee, a town of 500 south of Tallahassee was effectively destroyed by Helene. The combination of 140 mile per hour winds and a ten foot storm surge destroyed virtually every building in the small coastal town. Chimney Rock, NC was also virtually destroyed by Helene. Search and rescue teams are still scouring the debris looking for bodies. Newport, Tennessee was evacuated on Monday when it appeared that the Waterville Dam was on the brink of failure. Duke Energy insists that the dam has not failed. Evacuations are still ongoing. Residents below the Lake Lure dam in Rutherford, North Carolina have also been evacuated over fears that the floodwaters could lead to a catastrophic failure of the dam.

Authorities are warning electric car owners in Florida that contact with saltwater may make their electric vehicles explode. Firefighters are treating the flooded out EVs as potentially hazardous.

The damages are in the billions and the economic impact of the storm could be triple that. Estimates of $100 billion have already been made.

North Carolina and Georgia are also key swing states in the upcoming November 5 general election.

Vice President Kamala Harris (D) released a statement on Helene on Sunday.

"My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Helene," VP Harris said. "Doug and I are thinking of those who tragically lost their lives and we are keeping all those who loved them in our prayers during the difficult days ahead."

"President Biden and I remain committed to ensuring that no community or state has to respond to this disaster alone," said Harris. "Federal personnel are on the ground to support families that have been impacted so that critical resources like food, water, and generators are available. We have also approved emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee – making resources and funding available to maximize our coordinated response efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. As we continue to respond and as communities recover, our administration will remain in constant contact with state and local officials. I have been briefed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and will continue to receive regular updates."

Former President Donald J. Trump (R) released a statement on Truth Social.

"To every family that has been displaced here in Georgia, in North Carolina, and throughout the region, our hearts are with you in this hour of need," said Trump. "You are in our prayers today, and throughout all the long weeks that lay ahead. We love you-we are with you-and we will be back again and again."

Trump was in Valdosta, Georgia on Monday to inspect storm damage and meet with storm victims as well as Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) and local officials.

The survivors need food and shelter in the short term and assistance with rebuilding their homes and lives in the long term.

Birmingham Diocese Bishop Steven J. Raica has started a fund to collect money for the victims of Hurricane Helene. If you would like to make a contribution to help: https://bhmdiocese.org/bishops-disaster-fund

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com