Satellite images reveal widespread destruction in North Carolina, U.S.

Hurricane “Helene” has claimed over 205 lives since its landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on September 26, 2024, causing widespread destruction across six states. North Carolina has reported over 100 fatalities linked to the storm, and new satellite imagery has revealed significant destruction in the state.

Helene made landfall near Perry in the Big Bend region of Florida at 23:10 local time (LT) on September 26, as a Category 4 hurricane, with record-breaking winds of 220 km/h (140 mph) and massive, life-threatening storm surges of up to 6.1 m (20 feet).

As of 17:00 UTC on October 3, the storm has claimed over 205 lives, making it the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland since 2005, when Hurricane “Katrina” claimed 1 392 lives.

North Carolina has been the worst hit reporting over 100 fatalities, with Buncombe County alone recording more than 60 deaths linked to Helene.

South Carolina has reported 39 deaths, Georgia has recorded 33 fatalities, and Florida has reported 19. More than 11 deaths have been reported in Tennessee, where over 85 people are still missing. Virginia has also reported two fatalities linked to Helene.

As of 18:30 UTC today, there are 944 583 customers without power across five states. South Carolina has 361 143 customers affected, North Carolina reports 281 488 outages, Georgia 262 115, Virginia 22 143, and Florida 17 694.

This translates to an estimated 2 456 000 people currently without power.

Thumbnail image credit: MAXAR