Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, has left at least 43 people dead after battering the southeastern United States.
The storm, which made landfall on the west coast of Florida, caused widespread devastation before weakening to a tropical depression by Friday afternoon.
According to dpa, casualties have been reported across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, with the governor of Georgia confirming 11 deaths in his state alone.
Approximately 3 million people have been left without power, and entire communities are facing severe flooding, with homes destroyed. Authorities fear that many remain trapped under collapsed structures, as impassable roads hinder rescue operations.
The National Weather Service had earlier warned of “historic and catastrophic flooding,” with water levels reaching up to 5 meters in some areas. The storm also brought the threat of mudslides, further exacerbating the damage.
Many of the fatalities resulted from falling trees, while others died in vehicles swept away by floodwaters. CNN reported that in Florida, a woman tragically drowned in her home.
In North Carolina, officials issued urgent warnings about the potential collapse of a dam, urging residents to evacuate.
After devastating the southeastern states, Helene moved inland, impacting regions in Tennessee and Virginia. The storm had already left a trail of destruction in Cuba before striking the U.S., causing widespread flooding and power outages.
