USA NOW! Breaking Records and Lives: Hurricane Helene’s Destruction in Florida and Georgia

The tropical hurricane "Helene" struck Florida, USA, on the evening of September 26.
Just a few hours before making landfall, the hurricane rapidly intensified from Category 2 to Category 4, reaching speeds of up to 140 miles per hour and becoming the most powerful storm in the region since records began in 1851.

Helen caused catastrophic storm surges along the coast in the Big Bend area. In many communities, water levels rose by several meters, with the small town of Cedar Key recording an increase of over 9 feet. Some communities have experienced their third strike from a storm since August of last year. Hurricanes Idalia and Debbie left behind destruction that residents were still battling when Helene arrived. "When such hurricanes follow one after another, it becomes a trauma for the community," noted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

By Friday morning, "Helene" weakened to a tropical storm, but as it moved inland into Georgia, it brought heavy rains that led to catastrophic flooding. Emergency evacuations were declared in many areas.

In Atlanta, a 138-year-old record for two-day rainfall was broken, with over 11 inches of rain falling, triggering the city's first-ever flash flood emergency.

The most severe flood warnings were also issued across Georgia, Virginia, and parts of North and South Carolina. Hundreds of water rescue operations were conducted, with crews using boats to evacuate people trapped in homes and vehicles due to rising rivers.

The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure. About 4 million people were without electricity in six states. By Friday afternoon, it was reported that the storm claimed at least 40 lives, and authorities feared that this number could continue to rise.

The destructive force of Hurricane Helene also affected Mexico. Earlier, on September 25, as a Category 1 hurricane, Helen struck the state of Quintana Roo, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the popular resort city of Cancun and surrounding areas.

It is evident that the climate crisis is rapidly escalating, and we have little to combat it. Why is this happening, and how can we protect ourselves and our loved ones from impending disasters? We found answers to these questions at the forum "Global Crisis. The Responsibility." Familiarize yourself with these materials to understand how to act in the current situation.