Devastating Floods from Helene Claim 30 Lives in Asheville

As Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern United States, Asheville, North Carolina, has been left devastated. What began as a powerful Category 4 hurricane has now claimed the lives of at least 30 people in Buncombe County, with Asheville bearing the brunt of the storm’s fury. Local officials are grappling with the aftermath, describing the catastrophic flooding as "biblical devastation."

Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller confirmed the tragic toll at a Sunday news conference. "We are grieving tremendous losses today," he said, adding that search and rescue efforts are still underway. Residents in the region have been hit hard, with many communities submerged and cut off from vital resources.

The storm dumped 14 inches of rain in Asheville over the span of just three days. Other nearby areas saw as much as 30 inches, equivalent to four months of rainfall, according to reports from Fox Weather. As a result, homes and businesses are underwater, trees are down, roads are impassable, and power outages have crippled the region.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has praised the efforts of first responders, calling it an "unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response." Yet, many residents feel that federal leadership has been lacking in the face of such widespread destruction. President Biden’s disaster relief approval, which covers North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, allows federal resources to aid in recovery efforts, but the administration's response has been met with criticism.

• Asheville received over 14 inches of rain, with some regions hit by 30 inches.

• Widespread flooding has led to breaches of dams and reservoirs, downed trees, and dangerous road conditions.

• At least 30 fatalities have been reported in Buncombe County alone, and search operations continue.

Criticism of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris has been mounting. While North Carolina suffers, Biden has been seen vacationing, and Harris has been attending fundraisers in San Francisco. Many believe their absence in the face of such tragedy speaks volumes about the current administration’s priorities.

“It’s a complete catastrophe in Asheville,” said the RNC Research account in a post on X. The message included a video of the widespread destruction left by Helene and highlighted the frustration felt by those still awaiting more direct federal action.

As the floodwaters begin to recede, Asheville faces a long road to recovery. Local authorities are working around the clock to provide food, water, and shelter for those displaced, but much more will be needed in the coming days to help the community rebuild and recover from this unprecedented disaster.

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