Catastrophic floods caused by Hurricane “Helene” leave Asheville isolated as U.S. death toll surpasses 120
Destructive floods and powerful winds caused by the remnants of Hurricane “Helene” have cut off Asheville, North Carolina, leaving the city without power, communication, and road access. As of Monday, September 30, the death toll across six states has exceeded 120, with over 700 people still missing.
- Meteorologists at the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg office described the event as ‘historic’ and the worst in the history of their office.
- Local officials in Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, reported at least 35 fatalities.
- Rescue efforts continue, but collapsed roads, damaged infrastructure, and widespread flooding are slowing the response in one of the worst-hit areas.
- Authorities warn the death toll could rise as isolated communities are reached.
The remnant eyewall of Hurricane “Helene” passed over Asheville (population 93 770), North Carolina’s Buncombe County, on September 28, leaving the city largely cut off due to damaged roads and widespread power and cellphone outages.
A plane carrying supplies arrived in Asheville on Monday, September 30, as the national death toll rose to over 120. North Carolina has reported at least 46 deaths, including 35 in Buncombe County. South Carolina has confirmed 30 fatalities, Georgia 24, Florida 13, Tennessee 4, and Virginia 2. Additionally, more than 700 people remain missing.
The storm brought powerful winds and heavy rains to Western North Carolina, causing destructive floods and mudslides that overwhelmed local preparedness efforts.
Key highways, including Interstate 40 and I-26, are impassable in several locations, with transportation officials advising that “all roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed.”
Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller described the destruction as overwhelming during a press conference, warning that misinformation had hampered emergency efforts.
Miller said false reports of a dam failure led to unnecessary evacuations and diverted critical resources, but he acknowledged that despite their attempts to prepare, the storm’s impact exceeded expectations.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper warned that the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach areas cut off by collapsed roads and failing infrastructure.
“This is an unprecedented tragedy,” Cooper said.
Local authorities have urged residents to boil water due to a major water line break, which has left many with limited or no water access. Asheville’s transit services have also been suspended.
“We are devastated by the horrific flooding and widespread wind damage that was caused by Hurricane Helene across our forecast area,” NWS Greenville-Spartanburg meteorologists said. “There are no words to express our sorrow at the loss of life and incredible impacts to property.”
“This is the worst event in our office’s history. We want everyone to know that our thoughts and prayers are with the residents and first responders across the area as we go through this historic event together.”
Helene made landfall near Perry in the Big Bend region of Florida at 23:10 local time (LT) on Thursday, September 26, 2024, 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).
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References:
1 North Carolina’s Asheville devastated after Helene’s damage cuts power, floods roads – CBS – September 28, 2024
2 Asheville, North Carolina, devastated by Helene as state faces “unprecedented tragedy” – CBS – September 30, 2024
Featured image credit: Live Storms Media (stillshot)
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