CNN published a roundup of news about Hurricane Helene deaths, damage, and recovery early this afternoon. Among other things, it reports:
- Helene is now deemed the deadliest US hurricane since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. At least 213 were killed, but many people, especially in rural North Carolina, are still unaccounted for a week after the storm’s arrival in Florida.
- “A massive relief effort is underway . . . to restore shredded power grids and rebuild damaged water and cell infrastructure.”
- “Transportation infrastructure . . . also has suffered ‘unprecedented damage’ after Helene ripped up and washed out roads and blasted through bridges,” according to USDOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “Hundreds of roads remain closed, hampering efforts to send aid to hard-hit communities. And for those who left before Helene, the closures have delayed their return to check on family, friends and the state of their homes. Some areas are so inaccessible supplies are being delivered by mule and air.”
- “FEMA has enough money to provide immediate disaster aid in the wake of Helene, an agency spokesperson said. But with a long road to recovery ahead — and more hurricanes possible this season — the agency may find itself digging to the bottom of its wallet.”