Hurricane Helene weakened to a post-tropical cyclone on Friday but the storm caused life-threatening flooding that has claimed 43 lives in the Southeastern US. Flooding and landslides were reported in various states and around 3.5 million people were left without electricity for a long period.
At Least 43 People Dead Due To Hurricane Helene In Southeastern US
Hurricane Helene landed near Florida at 11:10 PM (local time) on Thursday night. The category 4 hurricane caused severe damage in various states of the region with heavy downpours, mudslides, and strong winds. By Friday evening, the storm weakened to a post-tropical cyclone but still managed to threaten several big dams and claim 43 lives in different areas.
Before it moved north through Georgia and into Tennessee, the hurricane blew away the Southeastern US with winds gusting at a speed of 225 kph! Videos and photos online show large fallen trees, waterlogged streets, submerged cars, overturned boats in harbours in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
As per a Hindustan Times report, by early Friday, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 56 kph (55 kph). However, it still triggered heavy rains in many areas. Authorities, police and firefighters carried out thousands of rescue operations in different affected states.
Millions Left In Dark Due To Power Shortages In Various Areas
Hurricane Helene also left 3.5 million people in the dark on Friday in various parts of the US Southeast. As per reports, due to hurricane-related issues like flooding and mudslides, millions of homes and businesses were without power for a large part of Friday, especially in Florida and Virginia.
The local weather authorities have asked people in the Carolina and the Atlanta area to seek higher ground as the region was flooded after 10 inches of rain. Thousands of people were reduced across the Southeast amid torrential rain and moved to safer grounds.
Also Read: Hurricane Helene: From Strength To Affected Areas, All You Need To Know About This Storm In The US
While Hurricane Helene is mellowing down, the destruction it left behind is hard to miss. We hope that the situation improves soon and normalcy is restored in the area.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/GiannaCefaluTV & X/@tootoo_4thelove
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