Hurricane Helene Death Toll Reaches 200

The death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to over 200, making it the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. Most fatalities have been reported in North Carolina, particularly in Buncombe County, where severe flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage occurred. As search and rescue operations continue, authorities emphasize that many missing individuals may simply be unreachable due to communication failures. President Biden and Vice President Harris visited the affected areas to offer support, assuring residents of federal assistance in recovery efforts. The storm has left destruction across several states, including South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, with ongoing concerns for those still unaccounted for. Volunteers and rescue teams are actively working to reach isolated communities and provide aid.