Tropical Storm Helene Devastates Southeastern U.S. States

Emergency crews have airlifted food and water to remote North Carolina towns devastated by Tropical Storm Helene, which left hundreds unaccounted for and over 100 dead across southeast U.S. states. Significant damage includes demolished homes and roads. Large-scale rescue and recovery efforts are underway, with federal and state agencies involved.

Emergency crews have been airlifting food and water to remote North Carolina towns devastated by Tropical Storm Helene, which transformed the western part of the state into a "post-apocalyptic" landscape. The storm initially hit the Florida Gulf Coast as a hurricane, carving a destructive path through southeastern states, destroying homes, roads, and communications infrastructure. Hundreds remain unaccounted for, with many feared dead.

The death toll, over 100 in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, is expected to rise as rescue teams reach isolated areas. In North Carolina alone, 300 roads are closed, and the National Guard has deployed 1,000 tons of food and water to remote areas. Bat Cave and Chimney Rock were among the hardest-hit locales.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp confirmed 25 deaths in his state, including a firefighter and a mother with her twins. The U.S. government and regional authorities are engaged in massive recovery efforts, with 1.8 million residences without power. President Joe Biden plans to visit affected areas and may call Congress to pass supplemental aid funding.

(With inputs from agencies.)