Hurricane Helene has caused catastrophic damage across the southeastern United States, leaving at least 130 people dead and millions without power. The Category 4 storm's ferocious winds reached 225 km/h as it tore through states such as Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee, prompting emergency declarations and widespread evacuations.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both visited the affected areas, each offering support and criticizing the other's response to the disaster. Biden pledged federal aid and resources, while Trump toured devastated areas and promised relief supplies.
Trump's claims about Biden's inaction were refuted by local officials who confirmed communication with Vice President Kamala Harris. The storm has also become a focal point in the political landscape, with leaders using the disaster to rally support and highlight their disaster management capabilities.
Despite the political maneuvering, the priority remains on rescuing the missing, restoring power, and rebuilding communities. The severe flooding and destruction emphasize the growing impacts of climate change, with experts noting that no place is truly safe from such extreme weather events.
The resilience of the affected communities is evident as they begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.
