The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been devastating, leaving thousands without power and homeless, with the death toll reaching triple digits between six states.
Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday as a Category 4 storm, causing flooding and damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast before moving north with winds reaching up to 140 mph. The storm hit areas in Georgia and caused massive flooding as far as eastern Tennessee. However, one of the hardest-hit areas was North Carolina, where heavy rain triggered flash floods that wiped out businesses, homes, highways, and roads.
The city of Asheville has seen one of the worst sides of the tropical storm, with over a hundred still missing and at least 30 people reported dead.
#BREAKING : The city of Asheville has announced that nearly 100,000 residents may be without access to water for weeks following the tragic and catastrophic floods caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. The devastation has already claimed over 103 lives, and more than 1,073… pic.twitter.com/PPAGMrvdwS
— upuknews (@upuknews1) September 30, 2024
Before the storm hit, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper requested a federal disaster declaration to aid in recovery efforts, which President Joe Biden approved.
“The people in western North Carolina are hurting from this devastating storm and we are all working to get resources to people as fast as we can,” Cooper said in a press release. “We have deployed rescue teams, transportation crews, water, mobile kitchens and more. This is going to be a long-term recovery and this federal declaration will help us respond.”
Additionally, 500 soldiers and 200 vehicles and aircraft from the North Carolina National Guard have been deployed to western North Carolina to assist in the relief effort, according to a post on X.
Gov. Cooper added in a seperate statement, “There is a massive effort underway to get help to the people of Western North Carolina including state and federal relief but we know there will be additional needs. If you’re able to give, please consider a donation to help North Carolinians as they clean up and recover from Helene.”
How to Help the Victims of Hurricane Helene
There are several ways to donate and volunteer to help the victims of Hurricane Helene. Here are some options:
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
To donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund and help those affected by recent storms, you can visit nc.gov/donate.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is also providing relief for those affected. Click HERE to donate.
BeLoved Asheville
BeLoved Asheville is a local organization accepting donations to collect and deliver essential supplies. You can visit their website to find a list of needed items, including water, clothing, food, blankets, and more.
Salvation Army
100% of donations made to the Salvation Army will go directly to providing emergency aid, food, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care for those in need, as per their website.
Save The Children
Save the Children’s initiative focuses on working closely with other organizations to assist children and families affected by crises. Your donations will help provide essential items such as diapers and hygiene products. Additionally, they are committed to reopening childcare facilities to support those in need.
GoFundMe
There are multiple pages on GoFundMe created to help raise money for victims of Hurricane Helene. The Charlotte Observer highlighted a fundraiser initiated by a group of pilots who are seeking donations to help air-drop supplies to local communities that have been severely flooded and where roads have been destroyed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by Hurricane Helene.