By Sagar Ram Rane 
Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage in Northern Florida and other southeastern states such as Georgia and the Carolinas. The storm struck the Big Bend region of Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, packing winds of up to 140 mph and heavy rainfall. Coastal areas experienced storm surges of up to 20 feet, which were historic and deadly.
More than 1 million people have lost power in Florida, and the death toll is constantly rising. At least 7 people have lost their lives, including people in the coastal areas of Dixie County and Pinellas County. Many people were trapped in their homes despite mandatory evacuations, where the storm surge buried them(Georgia Public Broadcasting)(POLITICO).
Helene has also created a terrible situation in Georgia. There was heavy rain here, which caused flash floods and a lot of damage. Governor Brian Kemp confirmed 11 deaths, and emergency workers are still removing fallen trees and debris to clear the way(Georgia Public Broadcasting).
Helene’s effect is now being seen in North Carolina as the storm moves north. Although the hurricane has now turned into a tropical storm, the threat of flooding still persists (Action News Jax).
Helene’s devastation is now being compared to Hurricane Idalia and the one that came before. Economic damage is being estimated in billions of dollars, and Florida’s insurance market is going to take another big blow from this (POLITICO).
States of emergency are still in place and relief work is underway. The road to recovery is still very long.