Current:Home > NewsDrone video captures Helene's devastation in Asheville, North Carolina -Wealth Axis Pro
Drone video captures Helene's devastation in Asheville, North Carolina
View
Date:2025-04-12 08:22:43
Severe weather and historic flooding brought by Hurricane Helene killed at least 100 people across the Southeast including in Asheville, North Carolina where residents are scrambling to find resources amid gas and water shortages.
Since the system's landfall in Florida's Big Bend area late Thursday, hundreds of water rescues have occurred across the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Power outages left over 2 million homes and businesses in the dark as of Monday.
In Asheville, torrential rain destroyed vehicles and homes while leaving roads submerged. At least 35 people died in Buncombe County, which encompasses Asheville, though the death toll is expected to rise, the sheriff said Monday. Officials have also received about 600 missing persons reports, though many are presumably due to communication blackouts.
Helene has also severely damaged the city's water system, Asheville officials said in a statement Saturday.
"Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away which are preventing water personnel from accessing parts of the system," the City of Asheville said in the statement.
Watch drone footage of flooding in Asheville, North Carolina
Estimates: Helene caused between $15 billion and $100 billion damage
Insurers and forecasters have projected that catastrophic damage caused by Helene is somewhere between $15 billion and $100 billion.
"We have biblical devastation through the county," Buncombe County Emergency Services Assistant Director Ryan Cole said. "We’ve had biblical flooding here."
President Joe Biden has sent Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell to remain on the ground in Asheville "until the situation has stabilized," the agency said Monday.
"We'll continue to serve resources including food, water, communications, and lifesaving equipment will be there," Biden said. "I mean it − as long as it takes to finish this job."
FEMA said 10 federal search and rescue teams were in the region Monday and more nine teams were on the way totaling 900 active personnel. The agency will also bring essentials on the ground including 25 trailer-loads of meals, 60 trailer-loads of waters, and C-17 cargo plane full of food and water. The agency is also utilizing Starlink satellites to enhance responder communications and has 18 helicopters on standby to bring more needed resources.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has also brought more than 500 National Guard soldiers and airmen as well as over 200 vehicles and aircraft to save lives in the affected areas.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Helene victims face another worry: Bears
- Why Teresa Giudice Is Slamming Fake Heiress Anna Delvey
- New Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun: Endless shrimp created 'chaos' but could return
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- TikToker Taylor Rousseau Grigg Dead at Age 25
- Dave Hobson, Ohio congressman who backed D-Day museum, has died at 87
- Taylor Swift's Net Worth Revealed After Becoming a Billionaire
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Harris talks abortion and more on ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast as Democratic ticket steps up interviews
Ranking
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- A Michigan Senate candidate aims to achieve what no Republican has done in three decades
- Jax Taylor Refiles for Divorce From Brittany Cartwright With Lawyer's Help
- Weekend wildfires lead to 1 death, large areas burned in western North Dakota
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- Tia Mowry Details Why Her Siblings Are “Not as Accessible” to Each Other
- Two boys, ages 12 and 13, charged in assault on ex-New York Gov. David Paterson and stepson
- A Michigan Senate candidate aims to achieve what no Republican has done in three decades
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
As Trump returns to Butler, Pa., there’s one name he never mentions | The Excerpt
'The Princess Diaries 3' prequel is coming, according to Anne Hathaway: 'MIracles happen'
Sylvester Stallone's Daughter Sistine Details Terrifying Encounter in NYC
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
Kamala Harris, Donald Trump tied amongst bettors for election win after VP debate
Veterans of Alaska’s Oil Industry Look to Blaze a Renewable Energy Pathway in the State
Phillies strike back at Mets in dogfight NLDS: 'Never experienced anything like it'