Hurricane Helene Has Left Thousands Without Power and Homeless, With the Death Toll Reaching Triple Digits.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on Thursday, September 26, has left thousands of people across the southeastern United States without food, shelter, and other necessities.
According to a report from CNN, the death toll from Hurricane Helene has reached 200 and continues to rise as rescue missions are still underway.
Death toll from Hurricane Helene soars to 200 after officials in Georgia and Florida report additional deaths https://t.co/4ZAze27Jbz
— CNN (@CNN) October 3, 2024
Communities in states devastated by Hurricane Helene continue coming together, offering support and resources to help victims recover from the disaster.
A helicopter company based in Sevierville, TN, is donating its services to assist in rescue missions.
Scenic Helicopter Tours, known for its rides over Pigeon Forge, TN, and Asheville, NC, has sent its pilots to assist with East Tennessee and North Carolina hurricane response efforts. They are helping transport supplies and aid to the hardest-hit areas by Hurricane Helene, where washed-out roads and limited access have left many isolated.
“That’s what we’re in this world for,” an official with Scenic Helicopter Tours told local WVLT News. “It’s our job to help one another, and it’s just me doing what I can for the communities and surrounding towns.”
According to the outlet, the pilots have been flying about 20 hours a day and using nearly 350 gallons of fuel daily to deliver essential supplies like food and diapers.
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Because the company’s helicopters are smaller, it allows them to access areas that may be more difficult for larger aircraft to land in.
“Some of the smaller helicopters were all power loaded. Some of where the damage really happened is in confined areas. So smaller aircraft like these, or even a larger one is still a difficult task for those.”
More people are stepping up to support those in need.
Country star Morgan Wallen, an East Tennessee native, has donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts. Additionally, Miranda Lambert has contributed a generous $100,000 through her MuttNation Foundation to help pets and animals affected by the storm.
The NASCAR community has also stepped up by donating their own helicopters to deliver goods to different areas.
If you’re interested in knowing where to donate in support of Hurricane Helene victims, click here for a list of resources.