Elma Taric
Hurricane Helene has caused destruction across southeast states in the United States. Over 200 people have been killed, with many more missing or stranded.
The cause of the hurricane has been attributed to extreme climate change, which scientists claim will continue to worsen.
WHAT IS HURRICANE HELENE?
Hurricane Helene is a category four storm and the eighth named hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season. It first began making its way though Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and Cuba as a category one hurricane, causing major rain, flooding and mudslides.
Residents had their houses and cars destroyed, with streets being overrun by a torrent of rain. Hotels in resort towns such as Cancún have also suffered from the weather with beaches being upended.
“There are significant death and injury tolls, with many missing”
However, Hurricane Helene has now swept through the southeastern US, travelling over 500 miles and jumping up three categories. Majorly affected states include North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia.
There are significant death and injury tolls, with many missing — all of which has occurred in 48 hours. Along with it came record breaking surges. Up to fifteen feet has been encapsulated by water. Winds also reached 225kmh. Houses have washed away while residents struggle to recuperate.
EFFECTS AND RESPONSES
The consequences of Hurricane Helene have been disasterous, being called one of the ‘deadliest’ storms in US history.
CNN has called it ‘”the deadliest hurricane to hit the US since Hurricane Katrina.”
It has proved as such, with reports of 213 deaths so far. Search and rescue units are continuing their services, meaning the toll is likely to be higher.
FEMA has deployed 3,500 personnel to assist, but nonetheless, it will prove difficult with the closure of hundreds of roads.
Blockages of the road also increase health concerns; residents do not have clean water, food and medical supplies. This causes risks of contamination and infectious diseases such as the flu, COVID, hepatitis A and stomach bugs, which have grown tenfold. Mold has also been causing breathing issues and asthma episodes.
“Many will be left facing extreme financial complications in the aftermath of the hurricane”
Furthermore, a significant number of power poles and electric lines have collapsed.
However, the Federal Management Agency has helped restore power to 3.3 million homes. In addition, the US government has put out assistance with disaster recovery, familial support, financial recovery and health and safety services.
Nonetheless, the lack of internet connection leaves many stranded and unable to access them.
There are also significant long-term effects. Research indicates health, stress, trauma and more In natural disaster situations can persist for up to 15 years. Emergency management assistant professor Samantha Montano notes that in the recovery period post event, depression and suicide increases significantly.
This is typically attributed to the lack of resources to “rebuild [your] life,” according to Montano.
From insurance issues to emptying savings to survive, many will be left facing extreme financial complications in the aftermath of the hurricane.
THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Hurricane Helene has sparked a debate about climate change, unsuitable infrastructure and community readiness.
Scientific evidence indicates the gradual warming of oceans and global temperature is increasing. This is heightening the frequency of hurricanes and making them worse. If moisture levels keep rising, it is expected that natural disasters, such as hurricanes, will have a larger, more devastating impact on communities.
Virginia Tech associate professor in geophysics Manoochehr Shirzaei, affirms this, stating: “The tragic flood event in the southeast US is a poignant example of the confluence of multiple factors, including […] climate change.”
This is especially important in the southeast states, as studies found the area experiences a greater risk of climate driven changes.
Shirzaei also mentions “legacy systems” are not built to withstand the worsening climates. As roads, bridges and electrical grids age, they will become more susceptible to collapsing. Therefore, they must be maintained regularly or rebuilt to avoid death and injury.
The devastation in North Carolina is climate change in action.
Scientists estimate that climate change increased Hurricane Helene’s rainfall by up to 50% in NC, and made the event up to 20x more likely.
We cannot afford to elect a climate denier this fall to the White House. pic.twitter.com/bdCHlfSGa1
— Dr. Leah C. Stokes (@leahstokes) October 1, 2024
Subsequently, significant attention is being brought to the fatality of these events.
Environmental economist researcher Rachel Young calls hurricanes and topical storms a “public health concern.”
Her research study found that over the last 60 years, storms have caused 7,000 to 11,000 excess deaths. These numbers are 300 times that of official mortality counts.
Communities and the government must reshape climate strategies and infrastructure to minimise the impact of future natural disasters and lower the casualty rates.
Another storm, Hurricane Milton, is set to become a dangerous storm, with forecasters saying it could potentially become a category 5. It will make its way towards an already affected Florida, and Helene had set a precedent for what is to come.
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Featured image courtesy of Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.
Elma T.
Elma Taric is a Psychology and Criminology student based in Australia. She has aspirations of working in the Criminal Justice and Journalism industries. Elma currently writes pieces on news, entertainment and sports.