Hurricane Helene has caused catastrophic damage in Asheville, North Carolina, and across the Southeast, with at least 200 reported fatalities and almost 1 million homes and businesses without power. The storm is the fourth deadliest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. mainland since 1950. Buncombe County, where Asheville is located, has seen its death toll rise to 72, with at least 108 deaths reported across the state of North Carolina. President Joe Biden flew over Asheville to witness the devastation and has allocated over $20 million to aid Helene survivors in the Southeast.
Buncombe County officials are providing ready-to-eat meals and bottled water to residents with limits on daily distribution. The North Carolina National Guard has delivered food and water to Asheville, and insurers estimate the storm’s damage could cost between $15 billion and $100 billion. To donate to Helene relief efforts, there are organizations accepting contributions to help those affected by the storm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has sent over $6.2 million to North Carolina for aid, and efforts are ongoing to assist those impacted by the storm.
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