Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — The death toll from the devastating Hurricane Helene, which swept across the southeastern United States, has risen to 130 as of Monday September 30. Authorities warned that the number of fatalities could continue to increase, with hundreds of people still missing across several southeastern states.
President Joe Biden is expected to visit the affected areas to oversee ongoing rescue operations and the search for the missing.
According to reports from AFP, 57 deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina, 29 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, four in Tennessee, and one in Virginia.
In Pinellas County, Florida, the sheriff’s office released a grim list of nine people who were found dead, most of whom were discovered in their homes. The sheriff’s office noted that the victims appeared to have drowned, with some others trapped beneath debris.
In Georgia, residents are facing widespread power outages, food shortages, and blocked roads and communication lines. Many have likened the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene to that of a tornado.
Rescue teams are continuing their search for hundreds of missing individuals across the storm-stricken states. Emergency crews are also working tirelessly to restore water, electricity, and cellular services that remain cut off in many areas affected by the hurricane.
Scientists suggest that climate change may have played a role in the rapid intensification of the storm, as warmer oceans provide more energy, fueling stronger hurricanes.
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Previously, Hurricane Helene appear near Perry, Florida, on Thursday, as a Category 4 storm with winds reaching 140 mph. It is the strongest hurricane to ever hit Florida’s region. A Category 4 hurricane can cause catastrophic damage, including severely damaged buildings, downed trees and power lines, and extended power outages. In the worst-hit areas, it may take weeks before they are inhabitable again.
Airlines have suspended flights, especially to and from Florida, in the wake of the storm. Schools and offices across the affected states have been closed, and widespread power outages have been reported.
President Biden has urged residents, particularly those in Florida, to stay clear of the storm’s path and follow local government instructions. Evacuation orders should be strictly followed to ensure safety.
(Raidi/Agung)
