Hurricane Helene updates: Death toll surpasses 230 as rescue efforts continue

Helene unleashed devastation across the Southeast.

ByEmily Shapiro, David Brennan, Leah Sarnoff, Julia Reinstein, Meredith Deliso, and Ivan Pereira
Video byLilia Geho
Last Updated: October 7, 2024, 7:41 AM EDT

More than 230 people have been killed from Hurricane Helene, which unleashed devastation across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

Helene, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a massive Category 4 hurricane, has become the deadliest mainland hurricane since Katrina in 2005.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Sep 27, 2024, 2:06 PM EDT

Floodwaters leave dozens trapped on roof of Tennessee hospital

When dangerous floodwaters quickly surrounded Tennessee’s Unicoi County Hospital and seeped inside the building, many inside could no longer be safely evacuated and were forced to relocate to the roof, according to the hospital.

People are rescued by helicopter from the roof of Unicoi County Hospital as it is surrounded by floodwaters in Erwin, Tenn, Sept. 27, 2024.
Alderman Michael Baker

Fifty-four people are trapped on the roof and seven are in rescue boats, according to Ballad Health.

"The flooding of the property happened so quickly the ambulances could not safely approach the hospital," hospital officials said. It was too dangerous for boats to evacuate the hospital, and due to the high winds, helicopters can’t help with evacuations, officials said.

"The situation at the hospital is very dangerous," officials said. State and local rescuers "are engaged in what can only be described as a dangerous rescue operation."

-ABC News’ Alexandra Faul

Sep 27, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT

Vice President Harris briefed on Helene

Vice President Kamala Harris was briefed again Friday on Hurricane Helene, a White House official said.

Debris are left inside a flooded store after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sept. 27, 2024.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images

"Over 1,500 federal personnel have been deployed to the region, including 930 Urban Search and Rescue workers, as well medical teams and power restoration teams," the White House official said. "The Administration stands ready to provide additional support as needed and remains in close touch with officials at the state and local level."

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement, “Our hearts break for the families who have lost loved ones, for those who have lost their homes and businesses, and for those who are otherwise suffering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.”

Sep 27, 2024, 1:11 PM EDT

Over 900 flights canceled

Over 900 flights have been canceled nationwide on Friday.

The airports facing the most cancellations are Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Tampa International Airport in Florida.

A car is submerged in the floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27, 2024 in Atlanta.
Megan Varner/Getty Images

The Tampa airport, which was closed all day Thursday, has since reopened.

Sep 27, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT

Rescue operations underway in Georgia

In Valdosta, Georgia, search and rescue teams are trying to reach people trapped inside heavily damaged buildings, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said.

"We are asking for patience as we prioritize critical medical emergencies and essential services,” he said.

Helene hit especially hard between Valdosta and Augusta.

A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on the home after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga.
Mike Stewart/AP

Atlanta is facing major flooding.