Current:Home > InvestDrone video captures Helene's devastation in Asheville, North Carolina -VitalWealth Strategies
Drone video captures Helene's devastation in Asheville, North Carolina
View
Date:2025-04-18 12:08:53
Severe weather and historic flooding brought by Hurricane Helene killed at least 100 people across the Southeast including in Asheville, North Carolina where residents are scrambling to find resources amid gas and water shortages.
Since the system's landfall in Florida's Big Bend area late Thursday, hundreds of water rescues have occurred across the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Power outages left over 2 million homes and businesses in the dark as of Monday.
In Asheville, torrential rain destroyed vehicles and homes while leaving roads submerged. At least 35 people died in Buncombe County, which encompasses Asheville, though the death toll is expected to rise, the sheriff said Monday. Officials have also received about 600 missing persons reports, though many are presumably due to communication blackouts.
Helene has also severely damaged the city's water system, Asheville officials said in a statement Saturday.
"Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away which are preventing water personnel from accessing parts of the system," the City of Asheville said in the statement.
Watch drone footage of flooding in Asheville, North Carolina
Estimates: Helene caused between $15 billion and $100 billion damage
Insurers and forecasters have projected that catastrophic damage caused by Helene is somewhere between $15 billion and $100 billion.
"We have biblical devastation through the county," Buncombe County Emergency Services Assistant Director Ryan Cole said. "We’ve had biblical flooding here."
President Joe Biden has sent Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell to remain on the ground in Asheville "until the situation has stabilized," the agency said Monday.
"We'll continue to serve resources including food, water, communications, and lifesaving equipment will be there," Biden said. "I mean it − as long as it takes to finish this job."
FEMA said 10 federal search and rescue teams were in the region Monday and more nine teams were on the way totaling 900 active personnel. The agency will also bring essentials on the ground including 25 trailer-loads of meals, 60 trailer-loads of waters, and C-17 cargo plane full of food and water. The agency is also utilizing Starlink satellites to enhance responder communications and has 18 helicopters on standby to bring more needed resources.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has also brought more than 500 National Guard soldiers and airmen as well as over 200 vehicles and aircraft to save lives in the affected areas.
veryGood! (55898)
Related
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- Regan Smith races to silver behind teen star Summer McIntosh in 200 fly
- Teen brother of Air Force airman who was killed by Florida deputy is shot to death near Atlanta
- Dwyane Wade's Olympic broadcasts showing he could be future of NBC hoops
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- The number of Americans filing for jobless claims hits highest level in a year
- Former CNN anchor Don Lemon sues Elon Musk over canceled X deal: 'Dragged Don's name'
- Watch as adorable bear cubs are spotted having fun with backyard play set
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- 'Love Island UK' Season 11: Who are the winners? How to stream the finale in the US
Ranking
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- These 13 states don't tax retirement income
- 'Power Rangers' actor Hector David Jr. accused of assaulting elderly man in Idaho
- Who will host 'Pop Culture Jeopardy!' spinoff? The answer is...
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Honolulu Police Department releases body camera footage in only a fraction of deadly encounters
- Who’s part of the massive prisoner swap between Russia and the West?
- Save 50% on Miranda Kerr's Kora Organics, 70% on Banana Republic, 50% on Le Creuset & Today's Top Deals
Recommendation
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
4 Las Vegas teens agree to plead guilty as juveniles in deadly beating of high school student
Cardi B Reveals She's Pregnant With Baby No. 3 Amid Divorce From Offset
US rowers Michelle Sechser, Molly Reckford get one more chance at Olympic glory
Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
Dwyane Wade's Olympic broadcasts showing he could be future of NBC hoops
Montessori schools are everywhere. But what does Montessori actually mean?
Powerball winning numbers for July 31 drawing: Jackpot at $171 million