The death toll from Hurricane Helene continued to rise on Saturday as search and rescue operations persisted across Florida, while storms and heavy rains moved into Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond. At least 50 people have now been reported dead across five states after the storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near Perry, Florida, on Thursday night.
In Florida, many of the fatalities occurred as trees fell onto homes amid the high winds. Rescuers have found additional victims in evacuated coastal areas, where some residents had sought refuge in their attics to avoid rising storm surges. Severe weather and flooding have also claimed lives in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee as the powerful storm’s remnants continue to cause havoc.
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In the meantime, authorities are urgently calling for residents downstream of the Nolichucky Dam in eastern Tennessee to evacuate immediately. The dam has sustained significant structural damage, developing cracks and posing a risk of failure after the area was inundated with heavy rainfall from Helene. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Nolichucky River’s water levels have risen by 17 feet above pre-storm levels, increasing fears of catastrophic flooding should the dam fail.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee, as search teams go door to door, seeking to account for all residents affected by the storm. Emergency responders are particularly focused on those who may be trapped in areas still cut off by storm damage or flooding.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a statement that responders are working tirelessly to save lives and help those in immediate danger. The scale of devastation is significant, and we are committed to ensuring every community gets the support they need,” he said.
Hurricane Helene brought extensive damage across the southeastern United States, with strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding impacting countless homes and businesses. Search and rescue teams are continuing their operations, and residents in impacted areas are being urged to remain indoors and follow local guidance.
With heavy rains continuing in North Carolina and Tennessee, authorities are warning residents of potential flash flooding and urging caution in affected areas. As the storm moves northward, the extent of the damage and the rising death toll underscore the continuing dangers and challenges brought by Helene.
