The hurricane hit the coast of Florida last week, leaving significant destruction in its path. At least 215 people are confirmed to have been killed by Hurricane Helene in the southern United States.
Officials have said that hundreds of people remain missing, and it has been difficult to identify some of the recovered victims.
Families have lost everything with homes washing away in mudslides, property flooding beyond repair, and mass evacuations taking place. The damage and loss of life from the storm in North Carolina is said to be unprecedented, with over half of the hurricane’s death toll coming from the state.
President Biden has visited North Carolina. He pledged 1,000 active-duty soldiers to aid the National Guard in delivering critical supplies to communities that have been isolated during the storm. Many remain without running water and electricity as cleanup efforts are underway.
Americans have criticized Congress for leaving disaster funding out of the three-month continuing resolution that passed both chambers in September. There is growing concern among the American people about the government sending funds overseas rather than prioritizing its own citizens at home.
As recovery efforts continue, the death toll is expected to rise.
