The human toll from Hurricane Helen in the United States rose to 63 deaths on Saturday, according to authorities, with millions of Americans in ten states remaining without electricity. Twenty-four people died in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, 10 in North Carolina and one in Virginia, according to a report compiled by AFP from statements by local authorities.
Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers After Hurricane Helene hits the United States, at least 63 dead and billions of dollars in damage
Add to your selections
Helene made landfall in northwest Florida on Thursday evening as a Category 4 hurricane on a scale of 5, packing winds measured at 225 km/h. The hurricane then progressed northwards, losing intensity, while leaving a landscape of desolation in its wake.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by Hurricane Helenedeclared US President Joe Biden on Saturday. The road to recovery will be long. » Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee have declared federal states of emergency. More than 800 employees of the Federal Disaster Management Agency have been deployed.
Now downgraded to « cyclone post-tropical »Helene is expected to hit the Ohio Valley and central Appalachia on Sunday, writes the National Hurricane Center, which also warns that power outages could be severe. “long term”. Rescue teams are still working to restore power and deal with the consequences of the massive floods which destroyed homes, roads and businesses. But their efforts are hampered by rugged terrain and blocked access routes.
After forming in the Gulf of Mexico, Helen moved over particularly warm waters. By warming seas, climate change makes rapid intensification of storms more likely and increases the risk of more powerful hurricanes, scientists say.
Related News :