On Thursday, Sep. 25, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Fla., destroying nearly everything in its savage path and devastating families everywhere. As the storm’s last angry sparks make their way through the Southeast, people have been doing everything they can to turn their world right side up again.
Upon landfall, thousands found themselves in imminent danger, with roaring winds and storm surges threatening disaster across the Southeast. Currently, the death toll sits at 160, not including the numerous persons still missing. The category four storm brought wreckage to cities near and far away from the ocean, further demonstrating its increasing intensity. Though Hurricane Helene lost power as it traveled through land, it still spared enough power to rip apart homes, flora and well-built structures. Reparations to restore the land to normal have already begun; however, it will be a slow but steady journey to regain the once beautiful environment.
“In my opinion, Hurricane Helene was the most devastating because of all the destruction and chaos it caused. The hurricane was huge and destroyed a bunch of homes and buildings, leaving many devastated. Lots of people’s power was out, ranging from a couple hours to weeks. [I am] So glad everyone close to me is safe, and I am praying for everyone impacted by Hurricane Helene,” Aiden Roberson, sophomore, said.
Traditionally, Ga. only receives a few rain spells from the hurricane season. This time around, the state was hit exceptionally hard, as Hurricane Helene curved its way toward it. Undergoing severe thunderstorms, exceedingly high wind speeds and in some places intense flooding, the state braced for heavy impact, as even schools closed for safety purposes. Though Etowah students very much appreciated the shutdown after braving the wind and rain, being soaked to the bone as they did so, the storm still proved its might. Many encountered harsh precipitation in addition to other horrible conditions, diminishing spirits and raising terror in thousands.
“I have friends nearby whose house and roads were wrecked and flooded, and a lot of trees fell down in my neighborhood. I did not have much damage to my house, but many people have lost power, and water supplies have been cut off,” Chloe Okoth, freshman, said.
Despite its location 300 miles away from the ocean, Ashville, N.C. has been hit exceptionally hard. Facing damage including demolished housing and shelters, blocked roads and a considerable decrease in available necessary supplies, the city has been cut off from the rest of the country, the only access available being by helicopter. Numerous cities have been severely affected by the torrential storm; to aid relief efforts, donations and voluntary clean ups have been put into place, such as the donations Red Cross has been accepting. To help those affected by the hurricane, one can send donations here.
“Community members are encouraged to contribute through donations and volunteer opportunities, as the need for assistance remains critical,” Lizmary Evans, a reporter on USA Today, said.
Hurricane Helene has been classified as the deadliest hurricane since Hurricane Katrina. Despite the upcoming and even deadlier Hurricane Milton, people everywhere are sticking together and rising from the ruin in hopes to finally reach the calm after the storm.
