MAE O’MALLEY / ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Hurricane Helene has devastated many  parts of the East  Coast since touching down in  Florida on Sept. 26 as a category 4 hurricane. The hurricane, which has become one of the deadliest mainland hurricanes in modern forecasting history, struck the coast from Florida to North Carolina and many northeastern states are still feeling the effects. 

With 140 mile an hour winds, Hurricane Helene touched down with force in Florida. Some small neighborhoods were completely demolished and disappeared as a result of the storm. On Oct. 6, it was announced by the New York Times  that  there  had  now been 234 deaths in six southeastern states. 

The storm made its way from the Gulf Coast of Florida, through Georgia and the Blue Ridge Mountains up to North Carolina, leaving behind mass destruction. Many of these deaths were the result of intense flooding in Western North Carolina, where more than 20 to 30 inches of rainfall fell within three days.  

In North Carolina, road closures caused by mudslides, fallen trees and other debris left towns  isolated  from  the rest of the state. Residents of North Carolina were given orders to stay in place and stay away from windows, rather than being told to evacuate immediately. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, around 700,000 people are without power.

Many communities are focused on how they will be able to rebuild after the devastation. Appalachian North Carolina was deeply affected by flash floods, causing a need to fund for infrastructure. Facing the need to rebuild their communities, people are banding together to provide support for each other in towns such as Asheville, North Carolina. Residents are helping each other find  food and water for sustenance, as well as evacuating if necessary. 

Tourists used to flock to Chimney Rock, North Carolina to climb mountains for the views and shop in the town. Now, the town is virtually empty, as it has been almost wiped out by Hurricane Helene. As far as the eye can see, the town is filled with debris in floodwaters including a child’s pair of Crocs, pillows, and laundry detergent. Rescue crews were sent to the town, helping remove residents trapped in their homes. Residents were unable to communicate with their families to assure them they were safe, and nearby towns did not even know of the destruction. Now, residents of Chimney Rock are left wondering if it will even be possible to rebuild the town. 

Annie Jackson, a sophomore at USD, has family in Kittrell, a suburb of Raleigh in North Carolina. Her grandparents faced severe damage to their home and were forced to evacuate. 

“My grandparents’ basement and backyard were completely flooded,” Jackson said. “They sheltered in place in their basement until they were forced to evacuate and they went up to New York to stay with other family members, but I was really worried that they were okay. Luckily, my dad was able to fly out and help them get situated but I don’t think they’ll be back in North Carolina for a few months.” 

Intense hurricanes in the past, such as Hurricane Katrina, created  mass destruction in  the New Orleans area, due to the breach of many dams and floodwalls that prevent flooding in cities and residential communities. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sent over one thousand medical and emergency personnel, as well as food and liters of water to areas affected by Helene Some remote communities within mountainous regions have been difficult to reach. FEMA receives its funding from Congress, and only for specific duties. 

Many Republican politicians, including  former  President Donald  Trump, called out the Biden administration for neglecting to send relief and aid to Republican congressional districts. However, Republican governors of South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have given their appreciation towards the current presidential administration for the aid in this natural disaster. 

In addition to aid from FEMA, over 6,000 National Guard members have also been sent to regions of North Carolina for relief operations. The lengths of this disaster have made it difficult for some to receive aid, however practices have been enacted. Dozens of charity funds and GoFundMes have been put in place for those who wish to support the victims of this hurricane. 

High winds in coastal communities destroy homes and businesses. Photo courtesy of @americanredcross/X

Leah Nash, a USD first-year, recently learned of the events unfolding in the southeast. Like some students, Nash struggled to understand how hurricanes can be so detrimental to communities. 

“I didn’t even really know the severity of the storm,” Nash said. “We don’t have hurricanes where I’m from so I didn’t realize that they can actually be so destructive. I feel like its important to help people who were affected so I will definitely be donating to whatever charities I hear of.” 

Dr. Nicole Whitner, the Dean of Students at USD, sent out an email on Oct. 3, offering support for students with families affected by the hurricane. Students were encouraged to alert the Office of Financial Aid if their family had been troubled by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, students were reminded of USD’s Student in Need fund. Students in financial hardship may request grants that do not need to be repaid to the university as a last resort in emergency situations. 

Evan Zub, a USD sophomore from Wilmington, North Carolina, knows many people who were affected by the storm. Zub spoke on being able to keep in touch with family members. 

“Luckily I have been able to stay in touch with them,” Zub said. “Being on the opposite side of the country isn’t ideal and not being there to help has been on my mind a lot. A lot of our neighbors have been hit hard, making me more scared for the future of our community.”

Hurricane Helene has passed over the east coast and back into the Atlantic Ocean, new hurricanes rapidly appear in the Atlantic and pose a threat to the coast. Residents continue to prepare as Hurricane Milton arrives. 

Many Appalachian towns fell victim to flooding and torrential downpours. Photo courtesy of @americanredcross/X