The death toll from Hurricane Helen in the United States rose to 63 deaths on Saturday, according to authorities, and millions of Americans in ten states remain without power. Twenty-four people died in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, 10 in North Carolina and one in Virginia, according to a report prepared by AFP based on statements from local authorities.
Helene made landfall in northwest Florida Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane on a scale of 5, with winds measured at 140 mph. The hurricane then moved north, losing intensity, leaving a landscape of desolation in its wake.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.US President Joe Biden declared on Saturday. The road to recovery will be long. » Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee have declared federal states of emergency. More than 800 employees of the Federal Disaster Management Agency have been deployed.
Now demoted to “post-tropical cyclone”Hélène is expected to hit the Ohio Valley and central Appalachia on Sunday, writes the National Hurricane Center, which also warns that power outages could be severe. “long term”. Rescue teams are still working to restore power and deal with the aftermath of massive flooding that destroyed homes, roads and businesses. But their efforts are hampered by rugged terrain and blocked access routes.
After forming in the Gulf of Mexico, Helen moved over particularly warm waters. By warming the seas, climate change makes rapid intensification of storms more likely and increases the risk of more powerful hurricanes, scientists say.
