Hurricane Helene’s Death Toll Keeps Climbing. Here Are 6 of the Most Important Things to Know Right Now

Mar. 15, 2025

A worker clears downed limbs in Perry, FL, after Hurricane Helene passed through on Friday, September 27, 2024.Photo:Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty

Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell tells PEOPLE Helene was “a unique storm,” delivering “different types of threats” to different areas — from “historic” storm surge in Florida to devastating flash floods in North Carolina.

“You don’t get a lot of notice with these immediate flash flood warnings,” she says, But, she adds, until rain begins to fall, “it’s really hard to predict exactly which part of the communities are going to face the worst of it.”

People toss buckets of water out of a home as the streets and homes are flooded near Peachtree Creek after hurricane Helene brought in heavy rains over night on September 27, 2024.Megan Varner/Getty

Megan Varner/Getty

Now, countless communities across southern portions of the United States are picking up the pieces from Helene. Some states have moved into recovery efforts, while search and rescue efforts continue elsewhere.

Here are some of the most important things to know about the storm and its aftermath:

How many people have died from Helene?

As of Tuesday, Oct. 1, the death toll for the storm has surpassed 150 people across six states, according to theAssociated Press. Nearly half of the deaths occurred in North Carolina.

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Elsewhere, 33 people have died in South Carolina, according toFOX affiliate WJZYandNBC affiliate WFMB, while Georgia’s death toll remains unchanged from Monday, Sept. 30, when Gov. Brian Kemp announced 25 people had died.

Another 15 people died in Florida,36 people died in Tennesseeand two died in Virginia, according toCNNand the AP.

Karen Boyer, right, and Karen Bacon clean-up after Hurricane Helene outside a beach boutique store in the Pass-A-Grille community of St. Pete Beach, FL,.Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty

How many people are missing after Helene?

The Red Cross has set up awebsiteto help reunite friends and families following the Helene.

What does travel look like in Appalachia?

Conditions are improving in some areas, but many are still in disrepair.

At about 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, government officials announced that I-40 East out of Buncombe Countyhad reopenedafter a portion of the road was washed away in the storm.

Teams work on the damaged areas after hurricane Helene hits the Asheville along with the western part of North-Carolina in Asheville, United States on September 30, 2024.Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty

Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty

How are states recovering after Helene?

Portions of South Carolina and Tennessee are still facing flood risks due to high river levels, she adds. Meanwhile, an “active rescue mission” is still ongoing in North Carolina as some communities remain “isolated because of the damage to roads.”

Criswell tells PEOPLE resources have been moving into affected areas “continuously” as government officials work to identify the areas still in need. Helicopters have been used to help deliver supplies such as food and water to “isolated communities.”

“It’s going to be ongoing and we’re going to sustain this for as long as its needed,” she explains.

What kind of help is being offered?

Criswell tells PEOPLE that staging centers were stocked with “a significant amount of food, water, blankets, tarps, infant and toddler kits” and more ahead of the storm. Now, those supplies are being delivered to those in need.

A van flows in floodwaters near the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina.Sean Rayford/Getty

Sean Rayford/Getty

Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced in apost on Xthat the state had “dispatched a convoy” of staff and heavy equipment — “including 7,500 feet of temporary bridges” — from Florida’s Department of Transportation “to help North Carolina with damage assessments and roadway repairs.”

What safety concerns remain?

Among these hazards, she says, are downed trees and power lines and dangerous debris. High river levels in states like South Carolina and Tennessee also pose a danger to those recovering from the storm.

Criswell warns those in these areas to continue to exercise caution as recovery efforts persist.

“People just need to be cognizant,” she explains. “They need to be aware of their surroundings. They need to look out for each other and just know that the risks after a storm can be as dangerous as the risks during the storm, and to just be careful.”

source: people.com