Helene death toll reaches 200 as reports come in from southeastern states

(ASSOCIATED PRESS) Hurricane Helene's death toll reached 200 on Thursday and could rise higher still, as searchers made their way toward the hardest to reach places in the mountains of western North Carolina, where the storm washed out roads and knocked out electricity, water and cellular service.

Officials in Georgia and North Carolina added to their states' grim tallies, padding an overall count that has already made Helene the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

A week after the storm came ashore in Florida before carving a path of destruction through the Southeast, connections between friends, neighbors and even strangers have provided hope in the worst-affected areas.

While government cargo planes brought food and water to these areas and rescue crews waded through creeks searching for survivors, those who made it through the storm leaned on one another for support.

Sarah Vekasi, who makes and sells pottery out of her Sarah Sunshine Pottery store in Black Mountain, North Carolina, said she’s struggling with the trauma of Hurricane Helene and uncertainty about the future of her business.

[ArrowheadHunting]

I don’t understand why this is being underreported. The death toll is catastrophically higher. I wish this got accurate and appropriate attention. This area needs justice and support.

[yakbreeder]

The damn media can't even get the simplest things right.

That dog was rescued by the Kingsport Fire Department (KFD) Technical Rescue Team, and a K-9 Search Unit from Murfreesboro TN Police Department. It was rescued 20 - 25 miles south of Kingsport, NOT in Kingsport. The dog has been reunited with its family.

[travisburgess]

$750 bucks isn't even a drop in the bucket. The government really needs to do more for these people

[narpnarperson]

We dont even know half of the damage or loss of life right now

[johncrisp]

I had my 1st cup of coffee since last I cried., , over a cup of coffee!!!! you will when you lose so much at 1 time, ,

[bekaharrell]

Praying for all of us… 🙏🙏🙏🩷🩷🩷😱😱😱❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[mr.factoid]

This is absolutely unprecedented for the us, the average is 24

[Andrea-LovesYouStill]

It’s sad because I looked up ways to help and the websites said “Don’t come to the area until cleared to do so, ” but I bet there are people like me willing to drive over a truckload of food if we knew where to go with it.

[stevel]

Where are our so called leaders? Tours? Get off your ass and take care of Why is a man bottling river water?. This administration Who cares about a dog stuck in a tree? My fellow citizens are suffering!!!!

[GaryBigBend]

Good thing we gave trillions to foreign countries.. love how we have no money to give our own citizens. Trump2024❤

[tutelary]

The Word, " Continue to worship your false prophet, " Watch and Pray. Please Wake Up.

[cecemeadows]

I don't remember this type of help pouring in when Katrina hit.. 🤔 hmm... seems like only one type of ppl dont get the help when it's needed..

[judystevens]

Helene, so sorry for your loss and misery. 😢 They talk about housing shortages... Mother nature CRUEL.

[davidarmola]

These are the "Last" of the "Last Day's" Matthew 24:3-14. Jesus said it would be this way during the time of his "Presence" and the "Conclusion" of this system of things. He said there would be "Fearful Sights" during this time period. Compare Luke 21:11. The intense weather changes, the droughts, fires and hurricanes are all part of the composite "Sign" that he gave mankind to watch for. The End is imminent. Seek God and his righteousness, seek meekness, seek Gods Kingdom while there is still time. Zephaniah 2:3. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the affected people.