The Southeastern United States is reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which has left at least 55 people dead across five states. The historic storm, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, has caused widespread destruction, power outages, and left many stranded in floodwaters. Greenville, a city in the Southeast, is among the hardest hit.
In Greenville, residents are being urged to conserve water after flooding along the Nolichucky River washed out all of the Chuckey Utility District’s water lines. Repairs are expected to take place as soon as conditions are safe.
The storm has also disrupted communication networks, leaving many without cell service or internet. This has made it difficult for residents to connect with loved ones and for emergency services to reach those in need.
The City of Greenville posted an update on Saturday (September 28) morning:
“All parks remain closed. Power outages are widespread. We know you are stir crazy and want to get outdoors on a nice day, but conditions are NOT SAFE. Our crews are working as quickly as they can, but when people are in parks we can not run equipment to clear them. Parks and Public Works crews began work at 6am and will be out until dark. Be kind to them and give them thanks.
🚦 TRAFFIC LIGHTS. Many are out. Treat them like a four-way stop. Be patient with other drivers or stay home. Firefighters are now responding to wrecks as a result of failure to follow traffic laws.
⚠️ We know trees are down and are blocking roadways, but many are entangled in power lines. Those power lines could be live. Use caution even when walking in your neighborhood. Contact with those lines could electrocute you.
City crews are in contact with Duke Energy to coordinate efforts to remove trees and restore power as quickly as possible. Check on your neighbors.
Despite the challenges, rescue missions are underway. Nearly 4,000 National Guardsmen are conducting rescue efforts in 21 counties across Florida, and guardsmen have also been activated in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.
According to the National Weather Service, the threat of flooding continues in the southern Appalachian region, with additional rainfall expected over the weekend. Over 400 roads remain closed in western North Carolina, making rescue and recovery efforts challenging.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed over 800 staff to support states affected by the hurricane. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is currently in Florida, assessing the damage and the need for federal resources.
As the region begins the long process of recovery, residents are urged to stay safe and heed the advice of local officials. The full extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene is still being assessed, but it is clear that the storm has left a significant impact on the Southeastern United States.
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