Rescue crews are actively searching the mountains of North Carolina for survivors who have been isolated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The hurricane has resulted in over 160 fatalities, and officials acknowledge that cleanup and rebuilding efforts will take years. US DHS Secretary Mayorkas has defended the administration's response to the disaster while also attributing challenges in communication resources during such crises to climate change. The long road to recovery from Hurricane Helene has begun, but the extent of the devastation is overwhelming.