Initial Effects
On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene arrived along the Gulf Coast of Florida in the United States. Although Helene hit over one month ago, its presence has not yet been lifted from the communities affected.
The deleterious hurricane brought massive rains and wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. Over the next couple of days as the storm was moving inland, it brought with it winds of 59 miles per hour into Georgia and 35 inches of rain in both North and South Carolina.
Helene’s heavy winds and rain has caused catastrophic flooding and damage to homes, businesses, and roadways. At least 180 people have been reported dead, more are still missing, and more than a million left without electricity.
One Month Out
Volunteers from across the country have joined together to support the families and communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Nonprofits and faith-based organizations have responded to the damage, but without a doubt it has been a life changing, difficult, community effort to try to bounce back from the storm.
FEMA’s article “One Month After Hurricane Helene, Recovery Continues” listed the statistics of the recovery process of the Hurricane, “Since response efforts began, we’ve deployed more than 5,000 personnel to support affected areas.” The rescue and repair efforts are still continuing.
School Still Disturbed
Aside from the general destruction of Helene in America, students’ school experiences have been permanently impacted as well. When Helene hit in September, there was uncertainty about how the school year would continue. Now, almost two months later 76,000 students in North Carolina have finally returned to school. This loss of routine and structure is feared to impact their readiness to finish the school year.
Survivors Left Sick
Across the Carolina’s and Florida many are left sick from sewage exposure due to a lack of drinkable water. People are experiencing severe bloating, severe stomach pains, nausea and frequent defecation. North Carolina state epidemiologist Zack More spoke to Carolina Public Press on the matter, “That raises a lot of concerns about gastrointestinal infections, things that come from contact with sewage, eating food that hasn’t been maintained properly, or not having the same access to hand hygiene that you normally would. We’re worried about Legionnaires’ disease, hepatitis A, campylobacter and other infections.” This has concerned hundreds in North Carolina and has prompted North Carolina Health News to publish an article on the matter titled “Aftermath of Helene making western NC survivors sick”.
Is Hurricane Helene Forgotten?
With the Election, Hurricane Milton and many other major news events occurring, many feel that Hurricane Helene has been pushed aside while people effected by the storm are still grieving a tremendous amount. How do you feel about the matter? How long do you think it will take to restore the towns, cities, and homes that have been wrecked from Helene? Is this a reoccurring habit when it comes to natural disasters?
