PERRY, Fla. – The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction across the U.S. Southeast, with at least 64 people dead and millions without power. Massive rains from the powerful storm have caused widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction in its wake.

Janalea England, a resident of Steinhatchee, Florida, described the situation as unprecedented, with many people left homeless and in need of assistance. The storm swept through Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane before moving on to Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp likened the damage to a bomb going off, as entire communities were left devastated by flooding and winds. In North Carolina, Western regions were cut off due to landslides and flooding, causing major disruptions and delays in transportation.

The impact of Hurricane Helene has been catastrophic, with hundreds of water rescues taking place across the region. Some of the most dramatic rescues occurred in rural areas of Tennessee and North Carolina, where patients and staff had to be airlifted to safety.

As communities grapple with the aftermath of the storm, President Joe Biden has promised federal assistance to affected areas. The total damage from Helene is estimated to be in the billions, making it one of the costliest storms in recent years.

Climate change has exacerbated the conditions that lead to powerful storms like Helene, underscoring the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of such disasters. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in a warming world.