MIAMI.- Hurricane Helene has left a tragic toll of at least 20 dead after passing through the southeastern United States, where it hit with violent winds and torrential rains, according to authorities.
Among the victims, 11 deaths are reported in Georgia, 7 in Florida and 2 in North Carolina. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp confirmed the losses in his state, noting that a first responder was among the dead. No further details have yet been provided about the circumstances of the deaths.
The affected states have declared a state of emergency due to the havoc caused by the storm.
Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 hurricane, with winds reaching 140 miles per hour. In its wake, it has left a trail of destruction, with numerous homes and businesses severely damaged and millions of people without power.
Additionally, many areas remain under evacuation orders, as rescue teams battle roads blocked by debris and flooding to assist those affected in the most devastated areas.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned that the death toll is likely to rise as damage is assessed in daylight.
The storm surge, one of the most devastating effects of the hurricane, swept away homes in the coastal city of Steinhatchee.
Shocking images captured by a storm chaser show houses floating in floodwaters and buffeted by strong winds.
power outages
Helene’s impact on the electricity supply has also been significant. More than 2.2 million homes were without power in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
According to authorities, Florida is the state with the highest number of people affected, with more than 1.2 million customers without service.
As Helene moves north, it has weakened to a tropical storm with winds of 70 mph.
The National Hurricane Center said in its 5:00 a.m. bulletin this Friday that it continues to closely monitor the path and intensity of the storm to alert the population of possible risks.
