The storm surge, wind damage and inland flooding from Hurricane Helene have been catastrophic, flooding neighborhoods, stranding residents and destroying homes in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
More than 150 people have been killed, according to The Associated Press.
Helene, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region Thursday night as a massive Category 4 hurricane, was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend on record.
The confirmed death toll for Hurricane Helene rose to at least 166 people as of Wednesday, The Associated Press reported, as recovery efforts continue across the Southeast.
A drone view shows a damaged area following the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Lake Lure, North Carolina, Oct. 1, 2024.
Marco Bello/Reuters
President Joe Biden will travel to North and South Carolina on Wednesday to survey the destruction while rescuers continue their search for the missing. Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Georgia, which was also badly affected.
"We have to jump start this recovery process," Biden said Tuesday. "People are scared to death. This is urgent."
-ABC News' Jessica Gorman
Oct 01, 2024, 8:58 PM EDT
Bipartisan senators call on Congress to address Hurricane Helene damage
In a joint letter released Tuesday, Senate leaders Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell and several other senators on both sides of the political aisle called on Congress to meet following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
"Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents," the leaders wrote in the letter.
The senators suggested Congress convene in October to "ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year."
"Tens of millions of Americans were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those impacted by this horrific storm," the senators wrote
Oct 01, 2024, 5:52 PM EDT
Helene's death toll climbs to 159
At least 159 people have been killed by Hurricane Helene in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, The Associated Press reported Tuesday.
The place where the Jet Broadcasting radio station once stood in Erwin, Tenn., Sept. 29, 2024.
Saul Young/The Knoxville News-Sentinel/USA Today Network via Reuters
Oct 01, 2024, 5:55 PM EDT
Death toll rises to 57 in Buncombe County, North Carolina
Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller confirmed that 57 residents have died from the impact of Hurricane Helene.
Over 100,000 people remain without power in the county, Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said in a press conference Tuesday.
Water and meals will continue to be provided at several distribution sites in the county. Neighboring counties have stepped in to help and are now receiving overflow 911 calls from Buncombe County, Pinder said.
A person walks past a building heavily damaged during Hurricane Helene, Oct. 1, 2024, in Hot Springs, N.C.
Jeff Roberson/AP
There are "miles of complete devastation" in Buncombe County, said Scott Dean, with the responding National Urban Search and Rescue team.
Officials said there are 19 federal urban search and rescue teams on the ground in the state, working to get to those who cannot leave their homes and to provide assistance. Local police and fire departments are responding to more accessible areas to answer calls.
Buncombe County and state officials are also discussing deploying and using mobile morgues in the county, Pinder said.
People clean up in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Oct. 1, 2024, in Hot Springs, N.C.
Jeff Roberson/AP
Biltmore Village no longer has standing water, but roads remain blocked from the devastation, which will continue to make it difficult to respond and remove debris from the Asheville neighborhood, said Pinder.
Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, Buncombe County's medical director, said that the county is accepting donations of certain medications and providing primary health care to adults in need. The NC Board of Pharmacy is helping direct people to pharmacies currently open in the state.
Asheville Assistant City Manager Ben Woody reiterated that it would take weeks for water services to be fully restored in the city.
