At least 102 people have died across six states as a result of Hurricane Helene, according to CNN. The massive Category 4 storm made landfall in Florida and tore through the Southeast, leaving millions without power and communications. Hundreds remain missing as rescue crews struggle to reach the hardest-hit areas.
North Carolina has reported the highest death toll with at least 42 fatalities. South Carolina recorded 25 deaths, Georgia 17, Florida 11, Tennessee four, and two in Virginia. Officials warn that these numbers may rise as recovery operations continue.
More than 2 million homes and businesses are still without power, as utility crews work to clear blocked roads and repair damaged infrastructure.
As of September 23, FEMA’s federal aid program is available to residents in several Florida counties, including Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla. Additionally, state, tribal, and local governments, along with nonprofit organizations, are eligible for cost-sharing emergency assistance to aid in recovery efforts.
FEMA will also provide aid to other states affected by Hurricane Helene. The assistance will support recovery efforts, including grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and loans for uninsured property losses.
Search and rescue efforts underway
Federal efforts have been extensive, with President Joe Biden approving Major Disaster declarations for both Florida and North Carolina. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Georgia and will be in North Carolina to assess the damage. More than 3,200 federal personnel, including 800 FEMA staff, are deployed across the affected states, coordinating recovery operations.
Search and rescue teams have been critical in the aftermath of the storm. Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams have deployed 24 teams with over 1,300 personnel across Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The U.S. Coast Guard has also saved or assisted 11 people and several pets in their rescue operations, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing temporary power and infrastructure assessments.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services declared public health emergencies in Florida and Georgia to address healthcare needs. Several teams are working to secure health services and provide crisis counseling.
The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross are also on the ground, providing hot meals, shelter, and cleanup kits. Thousands of people are currently in shelters, and response teams are continuously deployed to meet the growing needs of affected communities. As cleanup begins, officials are urging residents to follow safety instructions and remain vigilant as post-storm hazards, such as flooding and damaged infrastructure, persist.
Federal disaster declarations for other impacted states like South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee remain under review, with emergency declarations still in effect.
