How To Help Victims Of Hurricane Helene

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been devastating, leaving thousands without power and homeless, with the death toll reaching triple digits.

Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday, September 26, as a Category 4 storm, causing widespread flooding and damage across the southeastern United States. Heavy rain triggered flash floods that destroyed businesses, homes, highways, and roads. According to an updated report by CNN, one week after the storm began, 200 people have been confirmed dead across six states, and the death toll is expected to keep rising.

The number of fatalities from Hurricane Helene makes it the deadliest hurricane to hit the United States mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

One of the hardest-hit states in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is North Carolina, where entire towns have lost homes and businesses due to heavy rainfall that exceeded two feet. The highest recorded rainfall was just over 31 inches in Busick.

In addition to the flooding, roads and bridges have been washed away, cutting off access to many areas. The popular tourist destination of Asheville, NC, suffered severely, with almost the entire city left without power and limited access to food and shelter.

#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.”

RELATED: WAFFLE HOUSE OPENS ITS DOORS IN NORTH CAROLINA DESPITE NO ELECTRICITY TO FEED HURRICANE HELENE VICTIMS

The community has rallied to support those in need following the disaster. Country star Miranda Lambert recently donated $100,000 through her MuttNation Foundation to assist pets affected by the hurricane, while Morgan Wallen also made a generous contribution, donating $500,000 to the American Red Cross.

The NASCAR community has stepped up as well, offering the use of their private helicopters to deliver resources to people in areas with washed-out roads or limited transportation.

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.

Samaritan’s Purse

The nondenominational organization provides physical aid to victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine. They are currently accepting donations to support those affected in western North Carolina, as well as surrounding areas and eastern Tennessee.