Hurricane Helene Causes Deaths and Destruction

Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across the U.S. Southeast, leaving at least 133 dead, primarily from extreme flooding, with North Carolina's Buncombe County suffering the highest toll. Satellite imagery shows vast areas of blackout across five states, with approximately 1.2 million customers without power, as rescue crews work tirelessly to restore services. The storm brought catastrophic rainfall, with some areas experiencing up to 30 inches, leading to homes being submerged and communities cut off from communication. Residents are resorting to makeshift solutions for power and water, with many expressing reluctance to leave their homes despite the destruction. Historical context reveals that this is not the first Hurricane Helene to cause significant damage, as a storm by the same name nearly 66 years ago also impacted the region. Additionally, calls for unity and addressing national leadership issues have emerged, linking the storm's destruction to broader societal challenges.