With hurricane season in full swing, the most recent storms Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, left people of the southeastern coast distraught after the back to back destruction.
Making landfall at the Gulf of Florida, CNN Weather reported category four Hurricane Helene made a 500 mile path from Florida to the Southern Appalachians on September 24-29. At least six states along the southeastern coast were left without access to power or water, due to Helene’s nearly record breaking storm surge.
Between its extreme storm surge, wind speeds, and relentless rainfall, Hurricane Helene left its mark on families causing over 230 dead, and many unaccounted for. Even when found, NBC News reported victims to be unrecognizable.
South Carolina local, Ava Howard, says that she didn’t have power or running water for three days in Chapin, and some of the district for longer. There were fallen trees and power lines blocking roads all through town.
“We are almost all cleaned up thanks to the community,” said Ava. Events like this bring people together.
In response to Helene, President Biden has sent 1,500 troops for ground help, 6,100 National Guardsmen, and 7,000 Federal personnel according to the White House briefing room.
“Since before Hurricane Helene made landfall, my administration has mobilized an intensive Federal response to ensure impacted communities have the resources and support they need… my administration is sparing no resources to support families as they begin their road to rebuilding,” said President Biden.
Unfortunately, residents of Florida didn’t have long to recoup from Helene, due to category three Hurricane Milton hitting them less than two weeks after, on October 9 and 10. Milton spawned over 41 tornadoes and 126 tornado warnings across Florida on its first day, the second highest number of US tornado warnings issued in one day. The tornadoes were stronger than the ones normally found in hurricanes giving them more time to rip through towns causing 14 deaths and counting, so says the New York Times.
However, Milton only sharpened our recovery efforts. After Milton, President Biden went to St. Pete Beach to asses the damage in Florida after the rath of dual hurricanes. Much emphasis has been placed on Florida because it was the only area hit by both hurricanes. CBS News found that fuel shortages are slowing the restoration process, but not stopping it. All effected areas, inside and outside Florida, continue with local rescue services and the National Gaurd to chip away at the debris left behind. Many are still without power in Florida, but most outside have regained power. Progress is slow, but effective.
Hurricane Helene and Milton are sadly not the worst expected from this 2024 hurricane season, but their havoc has created urgency for companies and home owners to refine their evacuation and storm safety plans for the rest of the season.
