Destruction Across States
, initially a Category 4 storm, wreaked havoc from through the , causing unprecedented flooding, landslides, and infrastructural damage across multiple states.
The storm's aftermath saw over 200 deaths and significant economic losses, with damages potentially reaching up to $160 billion. , emerged as one of the hardest-hit areas, facing prolonged power outages and a severe water crisis.
Climate Change and Health Risks
Experts link the storm's extreme rainfall and subsequent landslides to climate change, highlighting the increasing severity of such weather events due to human-caused global warming.
In the wake of Helene, health risks escalate in affected regions, with contaminated water and limited access to healthcare posing significant threats to residents' wellbeing. Volunteer efforts in places like Asheville aim to address immediate sanitation challenges amidst the ongoing crisis.