A week ago, Hurricane Helene was making its way through Florida, causing significant destruction along the Gulf Coast and forcing millions of residents to contend with heavy rains that foreshadowed the storm’s impact. Forecasters cautioned that the effects of Helene would reach far inland.

In the Southeast, while many roads were packed with vehicles rather than water, infrastructure remained mostly intact; bridges were still standing, and power was available. Chimney Rock, a popular destination in North Carolina known for its stunning views and iconic rock formations, was still anticipating visitors.

However, a week later, the aftermath of the storm has left over 190 people dead across six states, and survivors are grappling with disbelief as they witness the devastation that has struck their homes and communities. Chimney Rock has been largely destroyed, along with numerous roads and bridges along the storm’s extensive path.

Residents are banding together, providing each other with food and water, and helping to clear debris and fallen trees. Small victories, like restoring cell phone service or finding an operational gas station, have become sources of hope.

Currently, over a million customers are without power, with the majority located in the Carolinas, where significant portions of the power grid have been obliterated. Helene’s rapid floodwaters have taken down countless power poles and electric lines, meaning that infrastructure must be rebuilt before electricity can be restored. In some Georgia counties, and one in North Carolina, over 90% of customers remain without power, with one small county in South Georgia reporting that 99% of its homes and businesses are in the dark.

Many roads are still closed, complicating efforts to deliver aid to severely affected areas. Those who evacuated before the storm are facing delays in returning to check on loved ones and assess their properties. In some locations, supplies are being transported by mules or via air due to the inaccessibility of roads.

Aerial views of Asheville, North Carolina, captured on September 29, 2024, reveal the extent of the damage following Hurricane Helene. Residents of Weaverville, North Carolina, a town of around 5,000, are seeing gradual improvements, but conditions remain challenging, as Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons noted from the local grocery store, the only place in town with functional Wi-Fi.

Relief operations in the affected regions are gaining momentum, with utility workers restoring power and military and relief organizations delivering personnel and supplies. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden dispatched 1,000 troops from Fort Liberty in eastern North Carolina to assist in the stricken western part of the state. Biden visited North and South Carolina, while Vice President Kamala Harris toured Augusta, Georgia, which remains under a curfew and a boil water advisory.

The combined efforts of local communities, government agencies, and relief organizations highlight the resilience and determination of those impacted as they work to recover from this historic disaster.