Hurricane Helene Causes $155 Billion Damage

Hurricane Helene has caused extensive damage and devastation in the Southeast, becoming the fourth-deadliest hurricane this century, with estimated economic losses between $145 billion and $160 billion. The storm dropped an unprecedented 42 trillion gallons of rain, leading to catastrophic flooding, particularly in North Carolina and along Florida's west coast. In the aftermath, the conservative Project 2025 blueprint suggests severe cuts to federal disaster aid, which could leave survivors without necessary support to rebuild, raising concerns about the future of disaster relief under a potential Trump administration. Additionally, a potential new tropical storm is developing in the western Caribbean, posing further threats to the already traumatized Gulf Coast and Florida regions. Local rescuers have already delivered significant supplies and conducted numerous rescues following the storm's impact. Authorities warned residents who ignored evacuation orders to ensure their identification was documented in case of fatalities.