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Satellite images of Hurricane Helene show widespread devastation in North Carolina as the death toll continues to rise


Satellite images of Hurricane Helene show widespread devastation in North Carolina as the death toll continues to rise

A week later Hurricane Helene ripped through and devastated the southeastern United States Western North Carolina During heavy rains and severe flooding, satellite images show the extent of the damage.

Officials previously said hundreds of roads were destroyed in western North Carolina were inaccessible because of the effects of the storm, hinder rescue efforts. Residents reported seeing water as high as that Roofs of some houses.

At least 225 people have been confirmed dead and officials expect the death toll to continue to rise as reconstruction efforts continue.

A spokesman for the police department in Asheville, North Carolina, told CBS News in an email late Friday that it is “actively processing 75 missing persons cases.” The spokesman announced that a total of 350 people had been reported missing since the Helene attack, but 270 of them had been found.

Satellite images show blurred streets and buildings. An image shows mud and debris near Old Fort Elementary School in Old Fort, North Carolina.

A satellite image shows mud and debris near Old Fort Elementary School, North Carolina
A satellite image shows mud and debris near Old Fort Elementary School after Hurricane Helene in Old Fort, North Carolina, on October 2, 2024.

Maxar Technologies


Old Fort is one of the hardest hit areas, CBS affiliate WNCN-TV reported. Cars, houses and more were swept away by the severe flooding. Electricity, water and other essential services have yet to be fully restored.

Another satellite image from the city shows empty areas where houses once stood, as well as fallen trees and power lines.

A satellite image shows damage after Hurricane Helene in Old Fort, North Carolina
A satellite view shows a closer look at the damage after Hurricane Helene in Old Fort, North Carolina, on October 2, 2024.

Maxar Technologies


In the town of Spruce Pine, the local North Toe River overflowed its banks and flooded the region, which is also the source of the quartz used in microchips, according to NPR.

Tropical weather
This satellite image released by Maxar Technologies shows flooding from the North Toe River and market damage from Hurricane Helene in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, on October 2, 2024.

Maxar Technologies / AP


According to the National Weather Service, more than two feet of rain fell in the city and images show muddy streets, destroyed homes and more devastation.

Tropical weather
This satellite image released by Maxar Technologies shows flooding from Hurricane Helene on the North Toe River and downtown Spruce Pine, North Carolina, on October 2, 2024.

Maxar Technologies / AP


President Joe Biden saw the damage and cleanup efforts in Florida and Georgia on Thursday, saying reconstruction efforts will cost “billions of dollars.” On Wednesday he has visited the Carolinas and surveyed the damage by air.

Mr. Biden said at the time that the federal government would cover 100% of all debris removal and emergency response costs in North Carolina for six months and would do the same for Florida and Georgia for the next 90 days.

Tropical weather
This satellite image released by Maxar Technologies shows Mill Creek following storm damage from Hurricane Helene in Old Fort, North Carolina, on October 2, 2024.

Maxar Technologies / AP


“In moments like these, it is time to put politics aside,” the president said against the backdrop of devastated Ray City, Georgia. “There are no Democrats or Republicans out here.”

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