Hurricane Helene Claims 200 Lives as Rescue Efforts Continue
Hurricane Helene, the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005, has left a tragic toll in its wake, with 200 confirmed fatalities as rescue operations persist. The storm’s victims span across South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
Hundreds remain missing, and nearly a million homes are without power. Rescue efforts are being hampered by the widespread destruction, with many roads left impassable by the storm.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper stressed the gravity of the situation, noting that the challenging terrain has made it difficult to provide aid to many affected communities.
Among the victims of this disaster was 7-year-old Micah Drye from Asheville, North Carolina. Micah and his grandparents were swept away by floodwaters after seeking refuge on a rooftop. Tragically, Micah’s mother, Meghan, survived the ordeal but lost her son and parents.
Micah’s aunt, Jessica Drye Turner, broke the news of his passing, sharing the boy’s heartbreaking final words: “Jesus! Please help me!” Jessica expressed her grief, saying the family is facing “new grief and strong faith,” which has become their “new motto.”
Rescue teams found Micah’s body about a quarter mile from the location where his mother was saved.
In response to this devastating loss, Meghan’s other sister, Heather Kephart, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Meghan, who lost not only her family but also her home and belongings.
The fundraising page featured a photo of Micah, taken just days before the storm by his grandmother. In the picture, he is seen smiling, wearing a Jurassic World T-shirt.
This heartbreaking story is just one of many illustrating the profound losses caused by Hurricane Helene’s destruction.
