Hurricane Helene, the catastrophic Category 4 storm, left an unforgettable mark on multiple southeastern states: Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, and many more. With winds over 140 mph and the deaths of over 200 people, hurricane Helene became the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Millions were left without power, working water systems, and cellular networks.
In Erwin, TN, the Nolichucky River rose to 30ft, an unprecedented height that released 1.4 million gallons of water rushing downstream. For comparison, that is twice the amount of Niagara Falls. Another great loss was the Kinser Bridge on Highway 107 which collapsed into the river and was washed away. The unreal amount of water submerged homes, streets, and businesses instantly. The city lost power and water while infrastructure and roads were demolished. Thankfully, organizations like Team Rubicon have assisted the community by clearing fallen trees, rebuilding and cleaning homes, and more.
The surging water of the Nolichucky River surrounded Unicoi County Hospital. Staff and patients had no choice but to wait to be rescued on the rooftop, which quickly became precarious due to the rising waters. Some said the hospital looked like an island due to the intense flooding. After almost two hours, everyone from the roof had been rescued. The hospital has remained closed until further notice.
North Carolina’s damage caused a record-breaking $53 billion dollars. The devastation can be traced back to the 1,400 landslides triggered across the region: 160 water and sewer systems, at least 6,000 miles of roads, 1,000 bridges, and 126,000 homes were destroyed by the landslides. The state’s natural resources took a hit, with about 822,000 acres of timberland wiped out.
Hurricane Helene’s impact left a profound impression on the southeast. Its relentless winds and historic flooding overwhelmed the communities and damaged infrastructure. Places near Johnson City have been left battered and struggling to rebuild. This hurricane serves as a reminder of nature’s ability to devastate and disrupt lives in an instant. The resilience of the affected communities shines as they come together to support one another. Recovery will take time, but it opens opportunities for growth and improvement in disaster management.
