Hurricane Helene's Death Toll Rises to 215

Hurricane Helene has caused significant devastation across the southeastern United States, with a death toll of at least 215, marking it as one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The hurricane made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida's Big Bend, causing catastrophic flooding, especially in the mountains of western North Carolina, resulting in widespread power outages affecting nearly a million people. As recovery efforts continue, President Biden is visiting affected regions to assess the damage. The IRS has granted tax relief to individuals and businesses in Florida impacted by the hurricane, extending the filing deadline to May 1, 2025. Communities across the South are coming together to assist in cleanup efforts, while search and rescue operations are ongoing for those still missing. Inland flooding has been a major cause of destruction and loss of life, with many areas still isolated due to downed power lines and communication outages.