CHARLESTON, S.C. (Diya TV) — It’s been a week since Hurricane Helene brought chaos to the Southeastern region of the country. The region remains in a state of turmoil, with a significant part of it still without power and impassable roads, and deaths increasing to 202. The slow rate of recovery weighs on communities as they struggle to clear debris amidst attempting to restore some of the essential services in the destruction caused by Helene.
The heavy rainfall and fierce winds related to the storm pushed it directly into thousands of homes and businesses without electricity. Officials say that one of the major challenges would be restoring power, especially in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, where buried and blocked roadways might not be easily accessed to reach some of the hardest-hit areas.
Utility crews are working day and night. “The damage is so great, though,” South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said in a press briefing. “We understand the frustration people are feeling, but we ask for patience as we work to rebuild.”
In many communities, their roads are littered with floodwaters and debris; these impassable roads continue to cut them off, even driving a wedge in the attempt to conduct rescue missions and delay bringing food, water, and medical necessities. Local authorities in rural areas now rely on helicopters and boats in bringing in resources, while urban centers are slowly showing signs of improvement in cleanup and recovery efforts.
“We are working around the clock to clear major highways and access points, but the situation is challenging,” Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry said. “Crews are running into downed trees, washed out bridges and extensive flooding.”
Meanwhile, the confirmed death toll has increased to 202 due to continued search and rescue operations as the emergency management officials announce. Most of the number of fatalities from flooding, falling debris, and accidents due to hazardous road conditions a few hours after the passage of the storm.
President Biden declared states of emergencies in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. That means that federal disaster aid can become available to state and local governments for a recovery. FEMA teams, led by state officials, work on the ground to coordinate immediate assistance with temporary housing for displaced residents.
“Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this disaster,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said. “We are fully committed to helping these communities recover and rebuild.”
Helene has already begun to take a serious hit economically. Preliminary damage estimates now range in the billions of dollars, with some of the worst damage yet seen in the agriculture industry, as crops around the area were destroyed by high winds and severe flooding.
“Farmers are facing devastating losses,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “It’s going to take months, if not years, for some of these communities to recover.”
As the South slowly begins emerging from the storm’s aftermath, authorities are urging citizens to be vigilant, especially by avoiding flooded areas, and sticking to safety measures as electricity starts returning and cleanups continue.
