Hurricane Helen's toll in the United States...one of the worst storms in modern history

Arab Weather - The American authorities announced, on Sunday, that the number of victims of Hurricane "Helen" reached at least 63 people , while rescue teams continue their efforts to search for survivors in damaged homes across several states in the south and east of the United States, amid difficulties resulting from closed roads and bridges.

While emergency teams are working to restore power and deal with the repercussions of the hurricane, which led to the flooding of many roads, homes and shops, and the destruction of large parts of them.

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After developing into a Category 4 storm and causing extensive damage, Helen recedes, but warns of more flooding

At least 54 dead as Hurricane #Helena slams into southeastern US, pray for those souls. Can't even start to realize the pain 1000s of them are going through #Hurricane #HurricaneHelene #Helene #helene2024 #HurricaneHelen pic.twitter.com/tdEV5wktzS

- Lucifer (@krishnakamal077) September 28, 2024

Casualty statistics in different states

According to a tally compiled by Agence France-Presse based on data from local authorities, 24 people have died in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, 10 in North Carolina, and one person in Virginia.

• Improvement after the disaster

The US National Hurricane Center said that "weather conditions will continue to improve today, Sunday, after the catastrophic flooding that hit the region over the past two days.

• Hurricane hits northwest Florida

Hurricane Helen made landfall in northwest Florida on Thursday evening as a Category 4 storm with winds of 140 mph (225 km/h). A federal state of emergency has been declared in six states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, and more than 800 Federal Emergency Management personnel have been deployed to assist local authorities.

Bluff Road right now… #HurricaneHelen is here #Indianapolis . Be safe #out there #Indy Trees are falling everywhere! pic.twitter.com/NVeYNenl0U

— Jim Sullivan MSM (@Jim_SullivanIN) September 27, 2024

• Major damage in Cedar Keys

On Cedar Keys, an island of a few hundred people, many homes and public buildings were damaged. Local employee Gabe Doty said the destruction was extensive, with roofs collapsing and the market and post office destroyed, describing the situation as "a real tragedy.

The hurricane continued to advance into several US states, causing landslides and severe flooding, reaching as far as North Carolina. The state's governor, Ray Cooper, stated that this storm is considered "one of the worst storms in modern history."

The National Weather Service warned of a dam failure in eastern Tennessee, urging residents in nearby areas to move to higher ground immediately. About 2.7 million people were still without power in 10 states, according to reports.

Scientists warn of climate change impact on hurricanes

Scientists say climate change is making hurricanes intensify faster, as ocean temperatures rise. Climate expert Andra Garner said the extremely warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, which were above 30 degrees Celsius, contributed significantly to the strength of Hurricane Helen.

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Latest Updates: Hurricane Helen's eye area is huge, larger than 3 countries (details)

Hurricane Helene strengthens to Category 1, heads toward Florida with devastating winds and massive rainfall

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