Devastation in North Carolina Following Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene has left parts of North Carolina in ruins, particularly affecting the towns of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. The hurricane caused significant flooding, leading to mandatory evacuations due to the risk of dam failures. Residents are searching for friends and family amidst the destruction, where once-thriving communities have been transformed into scenes resembling a post-apocalyptic landscape. Debris from the destroyed town has filled the nearby lake, and heartbreaking stories of loss are emerging as communities vow to rebuild. Drone footage shows the flooding's extent, which has not only damaged infrastructure but also disrupted critical operations, including those related to the semiconductor supply chain. As the waters recede, officials are cautiously optimistic about the integrity of the Lake Lure Dam, although the region remains on high alert. Rescue operations have been underway, with first responders aiding those trapped by rising waters and landslides. The tragedy has resulted in a death toll surpassing 100, emphasizing the storm's catastrophic impact on the region.
CNN, Citizen Times, WLOS, Fox Carolina, WBTV, North Carolina State Climate Office, USA TODAY, WSOC Charlotte, Scientific American, Fox Weather