The death toll from Hurricane Helene, downgraded to a tropical storm, rises to at least thirty-three deaths in the United States

Hurricane Helene caused the deaths of at least thirty-three people across four states in the United States, according to statements from local authorities compiled by Agence France-Presse (AFP). At least fourteen people died in South Carolina, eleven in Georgia, seven in Florida, and one in North Carolina, according to this still provisional report.

From Tallahassee, Florida to Charlotte, North Carolina, strong winds and heavy rains caused flash flooding, falling trees and blowing away homes. On the Florida coast, marine submersion has caused significant flooding, with sea levels rising by more than 15 feet in places.

Although winds dropped to 55 mph, the US Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of flooding “historical” et “catastrophic”accompanied by landslides, would continue in the Appalachians until Friday evening.

Most powerful hurricane to ever hit this region

Hélène made landfall in northwest Florida on Thursday evening as a category 4 hurricane on a scale of 5, with winds blowing at 225 km/h. It was the most powerful hurricane to ever hit this region, according to expert Michael Lowry.

By warming ocean waters, climate change makes the rapid intensification of these storms more likely and increases the risk of more powerful hurricanes.

After forming, Helene moved over particularly warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico – more than 30°C, according to climatologist Andra Garner. “It is likely that these very warm waters played a role in the rapid intensification of Hélène”underlined the expert. “We also know that hurricane-related marine flooding is getting worse because ocean levels are rising as we warm the planet.”she explained to AFP.

State of emergency in several states

According to the site poweroutage.us, as of 10 p.m. (Paris time), approximately 1.3 million customers were without electricity in South Carolina, 900,000 in Georgia and North Carolina, as well as 750,000 in Florida.

Staff “working hard to restore power”said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. But this “takes time”he added, asking residents to be patient.

Many of the deaths are linked to trees falling on homes. In Georgia, one of the people who died was part of a rescue team, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said Friday. Two firefighters also died in South Carolina, said the governor of that state.

“We have made almost 600 rescues”Deanne Criswell, head of the federal agency responsible for responding to natural disasters (Fema), said Friday morning on CNN. “The threat is not over” and the situation “is always dangerous”she added, highlighting the risk of flash flooding, particularly in the large city of Atlanta, Georgia.

US President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation and approved state of emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina and Alabama.