Hurricane Helene Devastates Southeastern United States

Hurricane Helene has caused extensive devastation across the southeastern United States, resulting in at least 91 deaths and leaving nearly 2.5 million households without power. The storm brought high winds, torrential rains, and flooding to states including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. President Joe Biden has declared a disaster in North Carolina to facilitate federal aid. Additionally, an EF-3 tornado, associated with the remnants of Helene, struck Rocky Mount, North Carolina, causing severe damage to businesses and injuring multiple people. Key affected areas in Rocky Mount include the Tiffany Square Shopping Center and businesses along North Wesleyan Boulevard such as Hing Ta Restaurant and El Tapatio Mexican restaurant. Cleanup and recovery efforts are underway, but officials warn that the response will be complex and protracted.