The death toll from Hurricane Helene is still climbing as Americans across the Southeast count the cost of last week's massive storm.At least 91 people were killed as Helene traveled northwards from the Gulf Coast, The Associated Press reported Monday.The storm made landfall Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region with sustained winds of 140 mph.Helene intensified as it approached the U.S.
coast, bringing with it devastating winds, massive flooding and enormous storm surge.In North Carolina, extreme floods washed away homes and bridges.At one point, authorities closed 400 roads deeming them unsafe for travel.
At least 30 people died and dozens are missing, state authorities said.Family members hold up photographs of loved ones who have not been found by Sunday, Sept.29, 2024 in the aftermath of the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene in Erwin.
Tenn.Saul Young/News Sentinel/USA Today Network"This is an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response," North Carolina Gov.Roy Cooper said.Members of the National Guard and relief teams from 19 states joined search and rescue missions in the state.William Ray, the director of the North Carolina Department for Public Safety emergency management, said response teams "are working around the clock to make rescues, to access neighborhoods."MORE: Hurricane Helene live updates: 91 dead after storm brought 'biblical' damageIn Asheville, there has been no cell service or water supply for several days.
Zeb Smathers -- the mayor of Canton, to the west of Asheville -- told "Good Morning America" the situation was "apocalyptic, not just for Canton, but the entire region."The area is suffering from a total cell phone "blackout," Smathers said, meaning residents are unable to check on loved ones or urge those at risk from further flooding to evacuate.Parts of North Carolina were inundated with up to 30 inches of rain, triggering deadly flash floods and landslides.In Lake Lure in the w...