By Alyssa Pointer, Maria Alejandra Cardona and Octavio Jones
FLAT ROCK, North Carolina (Reuters) - The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction in the Southeastern U.S., with the death toll rising towards 100 as the region grapples with power outages, destroyed infrastructure, and widespread flooding.
The storm's impact has been felt across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, with at least 90 reported fatalities according to state and local officials.
Estimates suggest that the damage caused by Hurricane Helene could range from $15 billion to over $100 billion, affecting critical services like water systems, communications, and transportation routes.
As the cleanup and recovery efforts begin, it is clear that the economic repercussions of this disaster will be significant, with property damage and lost output yet to be fully assessed.
In North Carolina, Buncombe County has been particularly hard hit, with 30 reported deaths and severe flooding in cities like Asheville. Governor Roy Cooper has described the situation as a "devastating catastrophe of historic proportions."
Emergency response teams from across the country have mobilized to assist in the rescue and recovery operations, but the road to recovery is expected to be long and challenging.
With millions of customers still without power and widespread disruption to essential services, the impact of Hurricane Helene will be felt for months to come.
President Joe Biden and other political figures have pledged their support to the affected areas and promised recovery assistance to help communities rebuild in the wake of this natural disaster.
As we reflect on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it is clear that the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of such events is more important than ever. Our thoughts are with those who have been affected, and we must all come together to support their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Analysis: The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the Southeastern U.S. has resulted in significant loss of life, infrastructure damage, and economic impact. As individuals, it is crucial to be prepared for such disasters and have contingency plans in place. From an investment perspective, industries related to disaster recovery and rebuilding may see increased activity in the coming months. It is essential to stay informed and support relief efforts to help those affected by this tragedy.
