Hurricane Helene kills dozens as emergency supplies are rushed to North Carolina, Florida

Hurricane Helene unleashed torrential rains, leaving scores stranded or homeless, as recovery efforts commence after the storm claimed dozens of lives. The hurricane caused billions of dollars in damage across the US Southeast, with several million residents left without power as of Sunday.

The US Southeast grappled Sunday with rising death tolls, a lack of vital supplies in isolated, flood-stricken areas and the widespread loss of homes and property while the devastating toll of Hurricane Helene became more clear and officials warned of a lengthy and difficult rebuild.

A North Carolina County that includes the mountain city of Asheville, reported 30 people killed due to the storm, pushing the overall death toll to at least 84 people across several states.

The storm upended life throughout the Southeast. Deaths also were reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper predicted the toll would rise as rescuers and other emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding.

He implored residents in western North Carolina to avoid travel, both for their own safety and to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. More than 50 search teams spread throughout the region in search of stranded people.

“Many people are cut off because the roads are impassable,” Cooper said. Supplies were being airlifted to the region around Asheville, a city known for its arts, culture and scenery.

“I cannot convey in words the sorrow, heartbreak and devastation my sisters and I are going through,” she wrote.

(AP)

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