Hurricane Helene's Devastating Aftermath: A Week Later
A week after Hurricane Helene pummeled the U.S. Southeast, satellite images are unveiling the full scale of destruction in western North Carolina. With relentless rains and severe flooding, the region remains in chaos as hundreds of roads are still inaccessible, hindering rescue operations. Floodwaters reached the rooftops in some areas, leaving entire neighborhoods submerged.
Old Fort and Spruce Pine: Hardest-Hit Areas
One of the most severely affected regions is Old Fort, where powerful floodwaters swept away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Satellite images show empty spaces where houses once stood, alongside downed trees and power lines. Spruce Pine also saw heavy flooding when the North Toe River overflowed, inundating areas vital to the quartz industry, a key component in microchip production.
Rising Death Toll and Search for the Missing
The human toll of Hurricane Helene continues to grow, with at least 225 people confirmed dead and more expected as recovery efforts intensify. In Asheville, police are actively investigating 75 cases of missing persons. Of the 350 reported missing after the storm, 270 individuals have been located. Satellite images depict washed-out streets, buildings, and debris around key areas like Old Fort Elementary School.
Massive Rainfall and Federal Support for Recovery
The National Weather Service reported over two feet of rain in Old Fort, leaving behind muddy roads and wrecked homes. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden surveyed the damage in North Carolina by air and later announced that the federal government would cover all debris removal and emergency protection measures in the state for the next six months. Similar support will be extended to Florida and Georgia for 90 days.
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