Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across Appalachia, with at least 190 fatalities. A volunteer rescue group official compares the devastation to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, calling it "biblical proportions."
Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction across parts of Appalachia, drawing comparisons to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Ben Husser, vice president of the Louisiana-based search and rescue group Cajun Navy 2016, said the damage is "of biblical proportions."
As of Tuesday, the death toll from the hurricane climbed to at least 190, and that number is expected to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Cajun Navy: Hurricane Helene Devastation 'Biblical Proportions' Comparable to Katrina
Husser said Helene is "absolutely" comparable to Katrina, as it has affected a vast area, including hundreds of miles. He emphasized that the recovery will be a long and difficult process, requiring significant resources.
Residents in affected areas have lost everything and are struggling with basic necessities. Local communities have come together to provide assistance, with neighbors and volunteers collecting water and food for those in need.
Cajun Navy: Hurricane Helene Devastation 'Biblical Proportions' Comparable to Katrina
Volunteer pilots are using private helicopters to deliver supplies and rescue people, while others are providing Starlink systems to remote areas without power, roaming data or cellphone service.
James Broyhill, a resident of Lake Lure, North Carolina, described the devastation as overwhelming and acknowledged that while folks in the area are resilient, the task of rebuilding will be daunting.
Cajun Navy: Hurricane Helene Devastation 'Biblical Proportions' Comparable to Katrina
Samaritan's Purse, a Christian humanitarian aid organization, has set up an emergency field hospital in Linville with 20 beds for patients in need and is asking for prayers and volunteers.
Curtis Drafton, an Army veteran and volunteer, described the challenges faced by rescuers as they navigated destroyed roads, bridges, mudslides and rockslides. He emphasized that those affected by Helene have lost everything and need all forms of assistance.
Cajun Navy: Hurricane Helene Devastation 'Biblical Proportions' Comparable to Katrina
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has arrived in western North Carolina to provide support, while President Biden has approved federal resources to aid in the recovery efforts.
Numerous in- and out-of-state volunteer organizations have been deployed to the affected areas, providing assistance alongside local and state officials, first responders and military personnel.
Cajun Navy: Hurricane Helene Devastation 'Biblical Proportions' Comparable to Katrina
As the recovery process unfolds, local residents and volunteers are working tirelessly to support each other and rebuild their communities. However, the challenges they face are immense, and ongoing assistance and support will be crucial in the months and years to come.
