Relief efforts are ongoing following Hurricane Helene, which has claimed the lives of at least 166 people across six states, with concerns that the death toll may continue to rise. Many individuals remain unaccounted for, possibly unable to reach their families due to severely damaged communication infrastructure.
In the wake of the hurricane, power outages and infrastructure damage are widespread, particularly in the Carolinas, where hundreds of roads are closed. This has made it challenging to deliver essential supplies. In some areas, aid is being transported by mules and aircraft, while volunteers are hiking for hours to assist loved ones in need. Currently, over 1.3 million customers are without electricity, as reported by PowerOutage.us.
Recent studies have indicated that climate change, mainly driven by fossil fuel emissions, has intensified the impact of Hurricane Helene. These findings are consistent with prior research showing that storms are becoming stronger and producing increased rainfall.
For those looking to assist those affected by the hurricane, resources are available through CNN Impact Your World. Additionally, CNN has a lite site for quick access to updates.