Hurricane Helene Devastates Asheville with 101 Fatalities

Hurricane Helene has resulted in 101 confirmed fatalities in North Carolina, predominantly caused by drownings and landslides, with Buncombe County experiencing the highest toll. The storm has significantly impacted Asheville, causing historical flooding and infrastructure damage, leaving many residents without power and essential medical equipment. The National Weather Service issued multiple warnings and flash flood emergencies due to severe rainfall, emphasizing the catastrophic nature of the event. In response, President Biden has coordinated federal assistance, approving over $2.1 billion for recovery efforts, including individual aid and disaster loan funding. Despite ongoing recovery operations, the community's sense of safety has been deeply shaken by the unprecedented impacts of the storm. The efforts continue with nearly 5,000 federal personnel working alongside state and local officials to assist affected regions.