Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction in North Carolina, with many residents describing the aftermath as “biblical devastation.” The powerful storm made landfall in the early hours of the morning, bringing with it torrential rain, howling winds, and widespread flooding.
The coastal town of Wilmington was hit particularly hard, with homes destroyed, roads washed out, and power lines toppled. Many residents were forced to evacuate their homes as the floodwaters rose, seeking shelter in emergency shelters set up by local authorities.
In the nearby town of New Bern, the situation was equally dire. The historic downtown area was completely submerged under several feet of water, with rescue teams working around the clock to evacuate residents trapped in their homes. The local hospital was also flooded, forcing patients to be airlifted to safety.
As the storm moved inland, it continued to wreak havoc, causing landslides, mudslides, and widespread power outages. Many rural communities were cut off from the outside world, with roads impassable and communication networks down.
The governor of North Carolina has declared a state of emergency, calling for federal assistance to help with the recovery efforts. The National Guard has been deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations, while volunteers from across the state have mobilized to help their neighbors in need.
The true extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene is still being assessed, but the images coming out of North Carolina paint a stark picture of the devastation. It will take months, if not years, for the affected communities to recover and rebuild.
As climate change continues to fuel more powerful and destructive storms, it is clear that we must do more to protect vulnerable communities and mitigate the impacts of these natural disasters. The people of North Carolina will need all the help they can get in the coming days and weeks as they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.