The serious situation continues in North Carolina after the impact of hurricane 'Helene'

2024-10-01 16:34:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The serious situation continues in North Carolina after the impact of hurricane

The number of victims as a result of hurricane "Helene" in the southeastern American states has reached at least 133.

A more severe situation is reported in some regions in western North Carolina.

Authorities say the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations in the trapped areas continue.

US President Joe Biden will go to North Carolina on Wednesday to see the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

"I want you to know that the administration is going to be there until we get the job done. It's going to take a long time and a serious amount of resources. With federal support, the state has reopened 220 roads that will help rescuers get to people in need for help," Mr. Biden said.

He added that the situation in the southeastern part of the country after the impact of hurricane 'Helene' is "the worst ever".

The storm killed at least 133 people in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia.

Authorities warn that number could rise as rescue teams begin to enter the trapped cities and after telephone communications are restored.

Officials said Monday that about 600 people are missing.

"We have faced similar situations, but not like this one now. This is more serious," says President Biden, while asserting that this situation is a consequence of climate change.

In North Carolina, about 300 roads have been closed and more than 7,000 people have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help, officials said.

The National Guard has sent about 1,000 tons of food and water to remote areas by airplanes and helicopters.

The Smith family is one of many families in North Carolina who have been left homeless.

"There is nothing left. The firemen are telling us that it will take at least six months for us to return to our home. But I doubt we'll be back that soon," says Aaron Smith, a survivor of Hurricane Helene.

Governor Roy Cooper said yesterday after seeing the worst-hit areas and a hospital that the damage in western North Carolina was "extensive and devastating."

"It was an unprecedented storm that hit the western regions of North Carolina and it required an unprecedented response. We are dealing with an unprecedented situation," said Mr. Cooper.

Nearly 1.8 million homes and businesses in seven states from Florida to Ohio are without power, according to the website 'Poweroutage', of which 643,000 in South Carolina and 480,000 in Georgia./ VOA