Hurricane Helene Leaves Over 200 Dead

Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across the southeastern United States, leading to over 200 confirmed deaths, with North Carolina and Georgia suffering the most significant losses. In Georgia, communities are mourning victims such as a mother and her 3-year-old child from Valdosta, and an educator from Homerville, Donna Hart, who died when a tree fell on her home. In North Carolina, the devastation includes lost homes, missing teachers, and widespread destruction of infrastructure, prompting urgent pleas for assistance from educators and residents. Mistie Cogbill, a teacher from Black Mountain, highlighted the severe impact on families and children, with schools closed indefinitely and essential services disrupted. Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg, the local community is grieving the loss of elderly neighbor Jerry Waite, who drowned during the storm despite encouragement to evacuate. As recovery efforts continue, local schools and communities are rallying to support those affected.